Bryan and Jason discuss key takeaways from Bryan's epic chat with artist, musician, painter, author, and filmmaker Onur Tukel. Jason shares his thoughts on Seattle's recent decision to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms. Bryan talks about a book on songwriting he just read called How To Write One Song, by Jeff Tweedy. Bryan talks about his interview with Justine Bateman which launches next week. Bryan and Jason reflect on memories of seeing concerts at The Gorge Amphitheater. And Bryan talks about the possibility of interviewing the man responsible for creating The Gorge concert venue in the 1980s: Ken Kinnear, who is featured in the recently-released documentary Enormous: The Gorge Story.  

DreamPath Podcast

RECAP - Onur Takeaways; Bryan and Jason on Shrooms, Songwriting, and Concerts at the Gorge

Onur Tukel is an actor, screenwriter, producer, director, musician, painter, graphic novelist, and children’s book author. His previous films include Catfight, starring Sandra Oh and Anne Heache, Applesauce, and Black Magic for White Boys. His most recent film is Scenes From an Empty Church, starring Kevin Corrigan and Thomas Jay Ryan, Max Casella, and Paul Reiser.  What you will learn: ​​The hustle required to be an indie filmmaker, and the uncertainty that comes with the job, even with numerous successful projects under his belt. How he is able to incorporate taboo or controversial themes in his films and still find funding. Why he prefers New York over L.A., despite potentially missing out on career and film opportunities in L.A.. [0:00-15:21] What it was like growing up in North Carolina as the son of Turkish immigrants, making movies with friends and eventually creating his first independent film, House of Pancakes, at age 24. The faith he had in his 2001 film Ding-a-ling-Less, and the harsh lessons learned about the film world when it was shelved. Onur discusses his eclectic filmography and the challenge of finding audiences for all of his work. [15:21-28:49] Talking shop, Onur reveals his camera preferences and style of filming. What it was like to film Scenes From an Empty Church with quarantine restrictions, what inspired him to make a pandemic-centered movie in the middle of pandemic, and why the film was a conscious shift from his previous style of work. [28:49-48:07] Onur reveals plans for his next film project, an absurdist horror/comedy, and touches on the deeper aspects of why he is compelled to express himself creatively. How he is able to be so prolific creatively in times of darkness, when other creatives tend to shut down and experience writer’s block. How invaluable having a creative partner (or benevolent competitor) can be, and how sadness can serve as fuel for art. [48:07-1:00:16] How his personal views and perspectives are reflected in his work. How Onur worked to make Scenes From an Empty Church a film that anyone, regardless of religious belief, can enjoy and find common ground with the collective trauma caused by the pandemic. How Onur weaved themes of the soul and the afterlife into the film. [1:00:16-1:16:27] Onur gets candid about his writing process, his struggles, and the creative tools he has gathered over the years. His perspective on the importance of geographic location as it relates to success in the film industry. Onur also provides creative advice for aspiring filmmakers. [1:16:27-1:31:42] The story behind Onur’s infamous appearances on Doug Benson’s podcast, what led him to being kicked off of that podcast (twice), and the lessons he learned from those experiences. [1:31:42-1:40:09] Resources: Onur Tukel’s: Website, Twitter, YouTube, IMDb Scenes From an Empty Church trailer 

Onur Tukel on Writing and Directing Scenes From An Empty Church

Bryan and Jason recap Bryan's interviews with guitarist Jeff Fielder and director and screenwriter Rebecca Eskreis. Bryan talks about his recent "solo-cast," shares why recording it was so difficult, and expresses gratitude for the positive feedback from listeners on that episode. Jason talks about a recent harrowing experience in his recording studio involving a chihuahua and two bottles of carpet cleaner. Bryan previews his upcoming interviews with writer and director Onur Tukel and writer and director Justine Bateman, and recounts his recent experience speaking at a seminar one day after accidentally shaving off his eyebrows. 

RECAP - Eyebrows are Overrated, Chihuahua Mishaps, and What's Next

Writer, Director, and producer Rebecca Eskreis is a familiar face on the international film festival circuit, screening at SXSW, SIFF, Munich, and Stockholm, among others. Rebecca’s directorial debut, What Breaks the Ice (starring Madelyn Cline, Sofia Hublitz, and Lukas Gage) was selected for the Austin Film Society’s Artist Intensive, hosted by Richard Linklater, and releases on VOD October 1st.  What you will learn:  Rebecca talks about early inspirations for her film What Breaks the Ice and the theme of moral ambiguity that weaves through the film. [0:00-7:25] The significance of using the Monica Lewinsky scandal from the late 90s as a story-telling device in What Breaks the Ice, and how the lack of technology in that era allowed the story to unfold in a way that would perhaps not be as effective if the film were set in the present day. [7:25-13:53] Why What Breaks the Ice was filmed with a handheld camera for specific scenes and the world that effect created. How Rebecca worked her way up in Hollywood. [13:53-20:24] How a meeting with Diablo Cody inspired Rebecca to make What Breaks the Ice, and the work it took to finance and cast the film. Rebecca reveals why her short film Noodling was one of the best investments she made in herself professionally, and talks about the time it took to complete that project. [20:24-30:27] What it was like to work on Jonathan Demme’s concert film Justin TImberlake + the Tennessee Kids, why Demme thought of this film (at least in part) as a “comedy, and what she learned throughout that production. [30:27-37:21] Rebecca’s plans for future projects, including an exciting show in the works about the Von Trapp family. Advice Rebecca has for young people hoping to make it in the film and television business. [37:21-43:15] Resources:  Rebecca Eskreis’: Website, IMDb, Instagram, LinkedIn What Breaks the Ice: Trailer, Apple TV   

Rebecca Eskreis on Writing and Directing What Breaks The Ice

Bryan talks about formative events in his life that made him realize the importance of living the life you want to live now.

SOLOCAST - Before and After Events, and Living Your Life Now

Guitarist, songwriter, and producer Jeff Fielder has worked with notable artists such as Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees and Queens of the Stone Age), Amy Ray (Indigo Girls), Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam), Duff McKagan (Guns N Roses), Sera Cahoone, and most recently landed a touring gig with the Indigo Girls. He also writes and creates music with his wife, Tekla Waterfield. Their most recent album, released this year, is Trouble in Time.  What you will learn: Jeff reflects fondly on growing up in Alaska, his early musical influences, learning to play guitar as a kid, and looking up to Metallica and Ozzie Osbourne. [0:00-11:36] How the freedom and support Jeff felt from his parents during childhood influenced his musical trajectory, and he he endured the jarring cultural change in culture moving from Alaska to Washington state. Jeff’s thoughts on the necessity (or lack thereof) of a professional musician sight reading music. [11:36-18:25] Why Jeff eventually let his passion for drawing go and fully embraced his passion for music, inspired by new artists like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. How Jeff worked to get his foot in the door and began playing with the artists he admired. Why Jeff at a recent gig in Seattle referred to himself as the Forrest Gump of Rock and Roll. [18:25-29:11] Why Jeff focuses on artists who bring deep emotion into their work. The logistics of touring with another artist, what Jeff feels the most passion for in his impressively versatile career, and how he began collaborating with Amy Ray and the Indigo Girls. [29:11-40:27] The impact southern musicians have in music. How Jeff’s collaboration with Duff McKagan began and the organic bond they formed over time. The importance of pushing past fears and discomfort in music. [40:27-49:27] Going back in time Jeff talks about his early songwriting and solo career and how his focus shifted. What it’s like now for Jeff to be collaborating with his wife and creating music again, and why he felt it was important to achieve an introspective, easygoing vibe on their most recent album. [49:27-1:00:15] How Jeff booked a recent gig with fellow Seattle musician Alain Johannes and what he envisions for the future of his career. The story behind how Jeff ended up scoring a film. [1:00:15-1:06:37] What Jeff views as the main challenges facing musicians, and aspiring musicians, today as well as society in general. Talking guitars, Jeff shares his go-to electric and acoustic favorites. [1:06:37-1:17:33] Resources: Jeff Fiedler’s: Website, Facebook, IMDb, Instagram 

Guitarist Jeff Fielder On Being the Forrest Gump of Rock and Roll

Bryan and Jason discuss takeaways from Bryan's interviews with film directors Amber Sealey and Michele Civetta, wax philosophic about the fragility of life and our gratitude for being alive, and Jason tries to make amends for a joke he made about Keith Richards, but Bryan isn't letting him off the hook so easily. To be clear, Jason is still going to hell. Finally, Bryan previews his upcoming interviews with iconic Pacific Northwest musician Jeff Fielder, and film director Rebecca Eskreis. 

RECAP - Waking Up On the Green Side of the Grass, and Jason is Going to Hell

Michele Civetta is a writer, producer, Emmy nominated director, and founder of the production company Quintessence Films. Michele’s feature film, Agony, starring Asia Argento, was released in 2020. His most recent film is The Gateway, starring Shea Whigham, Olivia Munn, Bruce Dern, Frank Grillo, Mark Boone Junior, and Taryn Manning. The Gateway is a gritty crime-thriller about a social worker who gets in over his head when he tries to save one of his clients from her maniacal, drug-dealing husband, who was just released from prison. What you will learn: Michele breaks down what The Gateway is about and tells the story of how the script came to him and how he shaped it into final form. [0:00-6:30] What the casting process was like for The Gateway and how they were able to bring in big names even for smaller roles, such as Bruce Dern, Frank Grillo and Taryn Manning. [6:30-10:00] How Michele found his way into photography, shooting music videos, commercial work, and then directing. What inspired him to pursue a career in visual arts. How film school and the opportunities that film school provided led to directing feature films. Where Michele sees his career going next. [15:21-21:41] Why he chose to shoot The Gateway in Virginia as opposed to St. Louis (where the film is set) and the necessity of being flexible about a film’s shooting location. How the pandemic affected post-production and the film’s launch date, and how Michele plans to navigate COVID restrictions in the future, starting with how he writes scripts to what types of stories he may tell. [21:41-28:16] How Olivia Munn became attached to The Gateway and the amazing performance and generosity she brought to the film. Advice Michele has for young people aspiring to make it in the film industry. [28:16-35:50] Resources: Michele Civetta’s: Website, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn 

Michele Civetta on Directing The Gateway, Starring Shea Whigham, Olivia Munn, and Bruce Dern

Actor and award-winning filmmaker Amber Sealey has directed film festival favorites such as How Does it Start, No Light and No Land Anywhere, and How to Cheat. Her most recent film, No Man of God starring Elijah Wood, Luke Kirby, and Robert Patrick, follows the real life friendship that developed between FBI Special Agent Bill Hagmaier (played by Wood), and serial killer Ted Bundy (played by Kirby) during the last four years of Bundy’s life, before he was executed.   What you will learn: Why No Man of God provides a fresh perspective on Ted Bundy’s story, making it a unique and stand-alone narrative film, which can be enjoyed no matter how many Bundy films one has seen, and even if viewers know nothing about Bundy going in. Amber also talks about what drew her to a project which was much different than her prior work. [0:00-8:13] Amber discusses the questions No Man of God raises about the duality of man, how one defines good and evil, and how Elijah Wood had a pivotal understanding of his character and the film from the beginning. [8:13-17:52] What it was like casting the part of Ted Bundy, how she was able to talk Luke Kirby into taking the role, the joy of working with Luke Kirby and why she enjoyed shooting a film set in the 80s. Amber also gives personal insight into why screenwriters, like C. Robert Cargill who wrote the screenplay for No Man of God, sometimes choose to use pseudonyms in lieu of their real name on certain projects. [17:52-26:07] Amber discusses her previous film, No Light and No Land Anywhere, why she chose to cast her father in the role of the protagonist’s “deadbeat dad,” and how the film creates tension in a different yet similar way to No Man of God. [26:07-30:34] Amber shares about her creative and artistic childhood, what it was like going to drama school in England, and how she found her calling in film. Amber also gives advice to young (and old) aspiring filmmakers, while emphasizing that there is no single, definitive path to success in film. [30:34-39:51] The experience Amber had making a short film and the financial struggles one can face trying to get a short film off the ground. Finally, Amber discusses the barriers to entry in the film industry, and shares tips on how to obtain grants and funding to create your own film projects. [39:51-48:27] Resources: Amber Sealey’s: Website, IMDb, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube 

Amber Sealey on Her Path into Film, and Directing No Man of God, with Elijah Wood and Luke Kirby

Bryan and Jason recap Bryan's interviews with Carson Mell, Olivia Taylor Dudley, and Al Di. Carson wrote, directed, and acted in the film Some of Our Stallions, which is now available on VOD. Olivia and Al co-starred in the film (which Al also produced).  Jason talks about his experience watching Some of Our Stallions.  Bryan and Jason also talk about the loss of drumming legend Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones, and Bryan reviews the HBO series The White Lotus.   Finally, Bryan talks about his recent interview with film director Amber Sealey, who directed No Man of God, starring Luke Kirby (as Ted Bundy) and Elijah Wood (as FBI agent/criminal profiler Bill Hagmaier). The film dramatizes the relationship that developed between Bundy and Hagmaier during during the last four years of Bundy's life, before he was executed for murdering numerous women and girls. Bryan and Jason also talk about the allure of Ted Bundy and why his story has resulted in so many documentaries and narrative films.

Episode Recap, RIP Charlie Watts, White Lotus Review, and the Allure of Ted Bundy

Writer, producer, animator, and actor Carson Mell was a writer and story editor on HBO’s Silicon Valley (created by Mike Judge), and wrote on Eastbound & Down, starring Danny McBride. Carson also created the animated series Tarantula (executive produced by Danny McBride), and wrote road trip comedy The Long Dumb Road, directed by Hannah Fidell and starring Jason Mantzoukas and Tony Revolori. Carson wrote, directed, and starred in his most recent film, Some of Our Stallions, executive produced by Mike Judge and co-starring Olivia Taylor Dudley and Al Di (who also produced the film). What you will learn: Carson’s relationship with “road movies,” the inspiration behind his 2018 film The Long Dumb Road, and what it means to write a script on on “spec.” [0:00-9:12] Carson’s personal path to the writer’s room and advice he can give in hindsight. What the writer’s room for Silicon Valley looked like and how Carson’s connection with creator Mike Judge led to Mike executive producing and playing a character in Some of Our Stallions. [9:12-18:00] The story behind how the script for Some of Our Stallions was written, casted, and produced, and how the script was almost forgotten in a drawer for years before being resurrected. [18:00-25:43] Why Carson chose to take a nuanced yet realistic approach to the portrayal of mental illness with his character Beautiful Bill in Some of Our Stallions, and the choices he made to protect the Olvia’s and Al’s from the usual Hollywood tropes. Why Carson’s friend Al Di views this film as the “first white guy/Chinese guy buddy comedy without Kung Fu in it.” [25:43-33:57] Considering all of the options his diverse skill set provides, Carson talks about where he sees his career going, provides first hand insight into how negotiating and selling a show/script works, and talks about his interest in writing/directing horror films. [33:57-43:26] Resources: Carson Mell’s: Website, IMDb, YouTube, Instagram 

Carson Mell on Writing, Directing, and Acting in Some of Our Stallions

Musician, film producer, and actor Al Di began his career in music before connections in the music world gave him the opportunity to produce movies. Al has produced Dreamland with Jason Schwartzman, Brigsby Bear with Greg Kinnear and Claire Danes, and Lost Transmissions with Simon Pegg, among others. His most recent film is Some of Our Stallions, which was written and directed by Carson Mell, and co-starring Carson and Olivia Taylor Dudley. This was Al’s first time acting on a film he produced. What you will learn: How Al got attached to produce the 2018 film Piercing and what attracted him to the script. How Al found his way from music into the film industry. [0:00-8:08] What skills and talents are required to be a good film producer, and what skills he personally brings to the job, specifically in relation to Some of Our Stallions. Al and Bryan talk about their love of music, and Al talks about his music education and early music career. [8:08-14:08] How Al’s passion to make a film whose script was being overlooked led him to pursue his first acting role, and the benefit to making movies with friends. The challenges as a producer of securing funding and distribution for films. [14:08-23:11] What Al has planned for the future, and why he is putting music on the back-burner. Why audiences should see Some of Our Stallions and what makes the film so unique. [23:11-28:09] Resources: Al Di’s: IMDb and Instagram 

Al Di on Rock and Roll, Producing Movies with Heart, and Some of Our Stallions

Olivia Taylor Dudley is an actress, producer, and writer known for playing the beloved character Alice Quinn on SyFy’s The Magicians. Early in her career she appeared in sitcoms such as Arrested Development, Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Mindy Project, but made a splash on the big screen with Chernobyl Diaries, Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension and The Vatican Tapes. Her most recent film is Some of our Stallions, written, directed, and co-starring Carson Mell, and produced by/co-starring Al Di. What you will learn:​​ ​​Olivia reveals how she landed the role of Bonnie in the film Some of Our Stallions, how her previous friendship with producer/co-star Al Di convinced her to read the script, and how the positive work environment cultivated by director Carson Mell and Al Di on set, as well their genuine off-screen friendship, translated to the screen. [0:00-6:51] What attracted Olivia to Some of our Stallions and why she appreciated the way the film tackles subjects like mental health and friendship with a blend of comedy and drama. How Olivia, as a woman working in Hollywood, respected Carson Mell’s ability to tell a story on screen without leaning on Hollywood cliches and tropes. [6:51-12:51] Olivia reflects on her early career and her journey transitioning between comedy and drama, as well as television and film. She also discusses what types of projects she’s hoping to work on in the future. [12:51-17:51] What inspired Olivia to quit school and move to L.A. at the age of 17, the hustle it took to work in Hollywood before landing acting roles, how she got her first big break in horror films, and the importance of working in every department on set to fully understand the film industry. Olivia also talks about her experience making Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension [17:51-23:36] How Olivia navigates the world of Hollywood while coping with social anxiety, especially when it comes to networking, and why situations like doing press at Comic Con for The Magicians actually helped her grow and learn to better deal with her anxieties. [23:36-28:39] Advice Olivia would give to young people hoping to make it as an actor and how her advice has evolved over the years. Finally, Olivia discusses the importance of being humble, respectful, and hardworking in the film industry. [28:39-36:37] Resources: Olivia Taylor Dudley’s: IMDb, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook 

Olivia Taylor Dudley on Acting, Social Anxiety, and Some of Our Stallions

Bryan and Jason discuss takeaways from Bryan's chat with comedy icon Tommy Chong, give their respects to recently departed ZZ Top bass player Dusty Hill, and marvel at the the longevity of Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts. Finally, Bryan airs a grievance over a bass guitar he loaned to Jason. 

Tommy Chong Recap, RIP Dusty Hill, Old Man Rockers, and Bryan Wants His Bass Back

Tommy Chong began his comedy career in the iconic comedy duo Cheech and Chong. Together they recorded numerous comedy albums and made multiple films throughout the 70s and early 80s, including Up In Smoke. After Cheech and Chong broke up, Tommy performed standup and booked more than 60 film and television roles, playing Leo for five seasons on That 70s Show, and Yax in the Disney film Zootopia, among many others. Tommy has also been a long-time supporter of the legalization of marijuana and has his own line of cannabis products throughout the United States. What you will learn: Tommy reflects on how he got his start in comedy in the 70s, and how playing in multiple bands throughout the 60s prepared him for the world of entertainment. [0:00-12:52] The process and inspiration behind Tommy and Cheech’s first, self-titled Cheech and Chong album, and how they trail-blazed through the LA comedy club scene. [12:52-21:21] The tumultuous events behind the scenes of Up in Smoke, and the tensions that continued into future Cheech and Chong films. [21:21-36:07] How, after the Cheech and Chong broke up, Tommy’s wife became an integral part of his comedy act, and what happened to that dynamic when Tommy and Cheech reunited. [36:07-47:10] How Tommy approached comedy as a solo act and what parts of his Cheech and Chong persona he kept during his solo act. During his five season run on That 70s Show, why Tommy felt so comfortable playing Leo, even though he doesn’t really consider himself an to be an “actor.” [47:10-56:06] Tommy opens up about his unique upbringing, including his time spent living in an orphanage, how a number of tragedies instilled within him early survival instincts, and how he found passion and inspiration in music. Why his humble beginnings as a child still affect his world view on consumerism and his definition of financial success. [56:06-1:08:56] Finally, Tommy talks about the medical benefits he has experienced using marijuana and CBD, and what plans he has in store for the world when his cannabis business flourishes. [1:08:56-1:18:30] Resources: Tommy Chong’s: Twitter, Instagram, YouTube Tommy Chong’s Cannabis (21+) 

Tommy Chong on Writing, Directing, Comedy, and the Secrets to Health and Happiness

DreamPath is about discovering the artistic journeys of painters, filmmakers, musicians, actors, writers, and other creatives. Through in-depth interviews we attempt to demystify and thus humanize artists and their creative process. If you take the time to listen and ask questions with genuine curiosity, you will find that everyone - from a cashier at 7-11, to an executive at a software company, to a city mayor, to a stay at home mom - has an interesting story. But artists’ stories are often shrouded in enigma and even mythology - perhaps due to a common perception (or misperception) that creativity is something you are born with, or that successful artists have a “gift.” While there is no clear path to becoming a successful artist, if we better understand the artist and their journey perhaps we can make them and their creative process more accessible, and in doing so help illuminate our own DreamPath.

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DreamPath Podcast

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