The Zack Arnold Podcast

Hello to all of my Optimizer readers & listeners. Today’s episode is gonna be a little different in that I’m not the host, I’m the guest. This is a special interview I did on super short notice with Erica Wernick over at the Hollywood Success Podcast where we discuss what’s at stake with the pending IATSE strike authorization vote. Like me, Erica is also both an entrepreneur and creative professional in Hollywood working as both a coach and a graphic designer as part of the Art Director’s Guild. And in this discussion we dive deep into the many stories being shared at the IA_Stories Instagram account as well as our own personal anecdotes about our careers in Hollywood. And most importantly we also break down the strike vote, why it’s important to all creative professionals (whether you are a union member or not), and what’s at stake if we lose.After listening I highly encourage you to check out the amazing work Erica is doing over at hollywoodsuccesscoach.com.And now without further adieu, my interview on the Hollywood Success Podcast with Erica Wernick.→ Click here to go to the full interview page at The Hollywood Success podcast→ Click here to go to The Hollywood Success home page

I created Optimize Yourself so that I could provide the resources to help creative professionals find fulfillment in their work and love what they do...but not at the expense of their health, their relationships, or their sanity. A natural extension of this is that we must be valued & respected for the work that we do. Without respect, no matter how much we love our jobs, our careers won't be sustainable and our passion will eventually become indifference (and sometimes even hatred). We become overworked, disrespected, and burned out.This is unfortunately what’s happening right now to tens-of-thousands of below the line workers in the entertainment industry as clearly portrayed by the meteoric rise of the @IA_Stories Instagram account. In part because of the horror stories this account has amplified, The IATSE union and the AMPTP have come to a standstill in contract negotiations and the union is asking its members to vote and authorize a strike. This is a historic moment in the union's history, and it's important that all of us understand what is truly at stake beyond the deal points and the percentages. That's why I decided to have an “All-hands-on-deck” call with my Optimizer coaching & mentorship community to provide an open forum where union and non-union members alike could ask their questions, voice their opinions, and gain a better understanding of the true impact this pending vote (and strike) can have on our industry for decades to come.Whether you are in the union or you work freelance outside the union, this conversation will (hopefully) answer your questions and paint a clear picture of why you need to be paying attention to this issue.If you haven’t yet read my latest article, Dear Hollywood: If We Don’t Speak Up Now, The Industry As We Know It Will Never Be The Same (It’s Gut Check Time), I encourage you to check it out as it provides even more context to this timely and important conversation.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How does the current IATSE contract dispute impact non-union workers?This negotiation outcome will be a sea change in the way we advocate for ourselves.Why we need to band together and present a united front.What does is mean if we vote yes to authorize a strike?What exactly is IATSE and who are the members involved?The red ant- black ant analogy and what we should really be focused on.KEY TAKEAWAY: We need our message to reach the other IATSE locals so they understand what is at stake and can make an informed vote.When we talk about producers in this context, we are talking about the studios and the producers at AMPTP.To support our cause, union and non-union members can sign this petition on Action Network.How do we address the issue that working less hours = less pay?What ‘lifestyle creep’ is and how it cripples us.One way to help alleviate fears is to create a fund to help people pay their bills. If such a fund is created, I pledge to personally put $1000 into it.Why it's important to understand the problems of the people above you and the people we are negotiating with.The only thing that will make it change is if we no longer meet those unreasonable expectations.How voting works within the guilds to vote for a strike authorization.Director Sam Lavin weighs in about the situation and gives a director's perspective.Canceling our streaming services is not the way to fight back.It comes down to how willing we are to set boundaries to protect ourselves.Ricardo is seeing younger generation of workers stepping up and setting boundaries for themselves so there is hope for the future.Please vote with your heart and do what you feel is right as long as you have all the information you need.If you can't vote, please spread the word to the right people so they understand what the conversation is about. Useful Resources Mentioned:Dear Hollywood: If We Don’t Speak Up Now, The Industry As We Know It Will Never Be The Same (It’s Gut Check Time)Tell AMPTP to Give Film and Television Workers a Fair DealIATSE Stories (@ia_stories) • Instagram photos and videosContinue to Listen & LearnDear Hollywood: If We Don’t Speak Up Now, The Industry As We Know It Will Never Be The Same (It’s Gut Check Time)Dear Hollywood: We Create Entertainment For a Living. We’re Not Curing CancerDear Hollywood: We’re Not “Lucky to Be Here,” You’re Lucky to Have UsDear Hollywood: Loving What We Do Makes Us Easy to Exploit. Here’s Why.Dear Hollywood: It’s Time For An Intervention About the Hours We WorkI Was Tired of Putting My Kids to Bed via FaceTime Every Night. Here’s What I Did About It.The Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace TashjianOn Signing COVID Waivers, Kit Rental Fees, and Working Humane Hours | with Cathy Repola, MPEG National Executive DirectorHow to Have a Successful Career Without Sacrificing Family | with Farrel LevyHow Modern Society Is Damaging Your Brain (and the Simple Steps to Reverse It) | with Dr. Dave JenkinsReal Talk About Mental Health and Depression | with Michael KammesUnderstanding the Link Between Creativity and Depression with Dr. Edison de MelloOur Generous Sponsor:This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

» Read & Share the full article HEREOne of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received from a friend & mentor is the following:“Don’t let others determine your value. Only you can determine your value.”Unfortunately the idea that we as creative professionals are undervalued for the unique contributions we bring to the entertainment industry is not a new one. For decades we have been considered replaceable widgets that are expendable.As legendary editor Walter Murch explained in our podcast together, several decades ago when approaching a studio executive to address the extreme working conditions, relentless stress, and impossible deadlines on a big budget tentpole film he was editing, he described the situation as:“People are dropping like flies.”The studio executive simply replied with: “Then get more flies.”We’ve now reached an impasse where decades worth of delivering miracles has become today’s expectation, and how we function as a collective industry is no longer sustainable.Finally….FINALLY we have the opportunity to change how we live and work in the entertainment industry. But the only way things will change is if there are simply “no more flies” because we’ve all collectively decided to advocate for our needs and say ‘NO’ to the impossible expectations asked of us every single day.Unfortunately as much as I want to believe we finally have the power to affect positive change, my greatest fear is those of us who value our work-life balance and our lives beyond our paychecks are still the vocal minority fighting against a much larger majority clutching their “golden time” in their cold, (nearly) dead hands.The only way for us to become the majority is to share with everyone who will listen – union, non-union, above the line, below the line, or otherwise – why we are fighting, how we ended up here, and why we deserve respect.But first…It’s Gut Check TimeI don’t care what anyone has told you in the past about the brutal realities of what it really takes to “make it” in Hollywood or the necessity to “pay your dues” at the expense of your own life (figuratively or literally), the truth is:We deserve to love what we do for a living…but not at the expense of our health, our relationships, or our sanity.It doesn’t matter if you’re a PA getting coffee or if you’re a department head with decades of experience, you as a human being deserve to be respected for your contribution to a project and valued accordingly.You are not obligated to show gratitude for the meal penalties and the endless 6th & 7th days in your paycheck earned at the expense of skipping lunches, sleeping on a couch or on apple boxes at hour 18 of the day/night, having to pee in bottles because you can’t leave your post, or the countless missed medical appointments because there simply “isn’t time in the schedule.”You don’t have to consider yourself “lucky” for the opportunity to work in Tinsel Town at the expense of not being able to start a family or missing countless once-in-a-lifetime memories like weddings, funerals, birthday parties, and kids’ recitals simply because whoever manages the budgets is completely incapable of building a schedule designed to set everyone up for success instead of failure.You don’t need to sacrifice sleep, recovery time, and throw away entire relationships just so you can “suck it up” and wear your burnout badge of honor proudly alongside your colleagues who are literally shaving years off their lives simply to maintain a lifestyle they couldn’t afford if they worked more humane hours.I’ve been saying for years that I don’t believe work-life balance is a union issue, it’s a human issue. But guess what – right now it’s a union issue. And for those of you in the union like me, here comes the gut check:Are you willing to speak up for the respect you deserve?Because if you’re not willing to speak up right now and advocate for more reasonable working conditions and compensation commensurate with your contributions, the way things are at this moment is the best it’s ever going to be again. The current version of Hollywood and the entertainment industry as we know it will be dead.Here’s Why We Are Fighting » Continue Reading & Share the full article HERE

 “I want to make sh*t happen, but it can't happen at the cost of the people around me.”- Mark GanttWorking in Hollywood as a creative professional can be a blessing and a curse. On the one hand the freedom to express yourself and tell stories that motivate, inspire, and entertain others can be a dream come true. But on the other hand the pressure of having to create on a grueling daily schedule can lead to doubts, insecurities, imposter syndrome and perfectionism (especially the days when you’re just not feeling it), all of which lead to feeling out of balance and out of control. (Been there. Done that. Still living it.)There is no one who knows this dichotomy better than my guest today, Mark Gantt. Mark is a multi-medium visual and performance artist who has worked in the industry as a graphic artist, a painter, a prop master, a photographer, an actor, a producer, and a director. He is best known for co-creating, writing, producing, and starring in Crackle’s groundbreaking, Streamy award-winning series The Bannen Way. (And if you are a long time listener, you may recognize that title because it is where I got my start in editing scripted television.)But it wasn't an easy ride to success by any means (and if you ask Mark, he still struggles to call himself “successful”). There were many moments he wanted to give up on his passions and quit. And there were more moments when he wasn't even sure what his passion was after veering so far off the path (a path which includes countless drinking benders and cocaine). This episode is a conversation about persevering in times of doubt and failure. We candidly discuss how it really feels to fail and what it takes to dig deep, forge ahead, and make sh#t happen in your career - no matter the obstacles - and most importantly without sacrificing the most important people in your life along the way.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How Mark answers the question, "What do you do for a living?"How he came to have a multi-hyphenate career.The reason behind Mark's drive to do all the different jobs he does.Mark has been sober for 33 years.The story of how Mark and I met.What the "woo woo" factor is and the significance of The Secret.How Mark wrestled with limiting beliefs in his acting career.What fears come from imposter syndrome and how to confront them.My story of why I failed in my first season of American Ninja Warrior.KEY TAKEAWAY: Failure is just a bump on the road to success.How saying yes to an uncomfortable opportunity saved Mark’s career and led to new doors opening.Mark's battle of negative thinking goes back to his childhood.KEY TAKEAWAY: Letting go of fear allows space for better decision making to happen.The dark story behind Mark's drinking and deceptions.Mark learned that drinking was only a symptom of his real problems.KEY TAKEAWAY: Sometimes getting out of balance is necessary to appreciate being in balance.The phone call that changed my life and how I'm still trying to make it happen again.Mark's pivotal moment when he knew he had what it took to be successful in Hollywood.Why perfectionism leads to unhappiness and burnout.The importance of learning to enjoy the process so you can bring your full talents to the project you're working on. Useful Resources Mentioned:Managing Limiting Beliefs, Imposter Syndrome, and all the “Chatter” In Our Heads | with Ethan KrossMark Gantt - Writer | Director | ProducerThe Bannen Way (2010) - IMDbContinue to Listen & LearnThe Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace TashjianDear Hollywood...We Create Entertainment For a Living. We’re Not Curing Cancer.Dear Hollywood: We Don’t Want to “Go Back to Normal." Normal Wasn’t Working.How to Have a Successful Career Without Sacrificing Family | with Farrel LevyMastering the “Chess Mindset” to Achieve Any Difficult Goal (and Get Really Good at Failing Along the Way) | with Misha TenenbaumOn the Vital Importance of "Being Nice" | with Jesse Averna, ACEOn Signing COVID Waivers, Kit Rental Fees, and Working Humane Hours | with Cathy Repola, MPEG National Executive DirectorOn the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi ArmaganianThe Zen-like Art of 'Getting Things Done' | with David AllenRedefining What It Means to Be “Productive” (and Aligning Your Values With Your Time) | with Tamara TorresPromoting Mindfulness, Well-Being, and Sanity In the Edit Bay | with Kevin Tent, ACETired of Holding it Together All the Time? Here are Five Basic Needs to Get You Back On TrackHow Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James ClearHow to Pursue Fulfilling Work and Find Your ‘Calling’ | with Dr. Tal Ben-ShaharThe Four Tendencies’ (aka ‘The Matrix’ For Understanding Yourself & Others) | with Gretchen RubinRamit Sethi on Forging The Path Towards Your Own ‘Rich Life’[CASE STUDY] Overcoming Burnout and Imposter Syndrome | with Chryss TerryThe Ugly Side of Depression, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome | with Gen MaloneOur Generous Sponsor:This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.Guest Bio: Whether he’s working on commercial or feature films, award-winning director Mark Gantt is in the business of authentic, creative visual experiences. With a diverse, 25-year career in the industry, he has learned the business from the ground up and had the good fortune of collaborating with top directors, including Steven Soderbergh, David O. Russell, Sam Raimi, and Robert Rodriguez.A multi-medium visual and performance artist, Mark integrates his talents as a painter, photographer, actor, and graphic artist into each production’s look and style. He utilizes technical expertise, a keen eye for detail, and a genuine love of storytelling to transform words from concepts into visual realities.As one of the early pioneers of the digital era, Mark is best known for co-creating, writing, producing, and starring in Crackle’s groundbreaking, Streamy award-winning series, The Bannen Way. Mark’s feature directorial debut, Murder In Mexico, was based on the actual events of Bruce Beresford-Redman, premiered on Lifetime. Last year, he directed Model Citizen and The Surrogate, both premiered on Lifetime in 2020.For two years running, Mark has created successful spots for ESPN and Nissan’s Heisman House campaign and popular and effective branded campaigns for GMC, AOL, Capital One, Kohl's, Fox and Lifetime.As a writer, Mark’s upcoming Audible Original True Crime books, Injustice Collector and A Devil in the Valley, will be released in the fall of 2021. He is currently pitching two tv-series with his wife, actress, writer, and director, Brianne Davis. The two produce the popular personal journals podcast, Secret Life. They live in Los Angeles with their son Davis.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

“People are embarrassed to even articulate out loud what they say to themselves silently.”- Ethan KrossDo you ever wonder why some people excel under intense pressure while other people fold? How is that an Olympic athlete can train for four years honing their skills with exact precision and in the final moment make a crucial mistake to blow their shot at gold?Maybe you've had the experience of preparing for hours for your dream job interview and when you finally sat down to talk, you froze up and forgot everything you prepared. Or maybe you had an argument with a friend, co-worker, or partner and said something you instantly regretted, then spending the rest of the night ruminating over what you did wrong and wondering why no one likes you? Or how about that noise you hear late at night as you lie in bed, convincing yourself that it's a serial killer coming to murder you?If you've experienced any of these situations or anything similar, then you've experienced “chatter.” Chatter is the dark side of our inner voice (and trust me, we all have it). My guest today is bestselling author Ethan Kross, a Professor of Psychology and Management, father of 2, and the bestselling author of Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why it Matters and How to Harness It. He defines chatter as "getting stuck in a negative thought loop" and it is often the reason behind our successes or failures in high pressure situations.Chatter is what feeds into imposter syndrome, limiting beliefs, and the worries that we consciously and unconsciously obsess over. The good news is there are tools for harnessing your chatter (and even making it your ally). In this conversation, Ethan will share the research he's uncovered and the numerous strategies he's discovered to befriend your chatter in any situation you encounter. I only wish I had discovered his book 3 weeks before I ran the American Ninja Warrior course instead of the month after. If you want to hear how my own chatter disrupted my performance on the course and how you can apply my failures to your future successes, you won’t want to skip today’s conversation.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How Ethan began his journey to investigating the chatter in our minds.What exactly is chatter and what does it mean?Not all forms of the voice in your head are chatter.Some forms of our inner voice are helpful and beneficial.The dark side of the inner voice is chatter.How much time we spend each day using our inner voice.How the message of mindfulness has been distorted and how it should be revised.Why awareness of our thoughts is so key to making change in our livesThe origins of our self talk.The physical effects chatter has on our bodies and overall health.Using a piano metaphor to understand how our genes are expressed and how chatter influences gene expression.How chatter effects our telomeres and the way we age.The two pieces of self control and how you need both of them to achieve your goals.How to target imposter syndrome so it doesn't hold you back.The story of the limiting belief script that defeated me on the Ninja Warrior course.The mechanism behind chatter breaking down performance and how it affects executive function.Why athletes engage in rituals before games and performances.The physical symptoms of a threat response vs. the symptoms of a challenge response and how they help or hurt our response to experiences.Tools for how to illicit the challenge response rather than the threat response.What distanced self talk is and how to use to coach yourself through stressful situations. Useful Resources Mentioned:Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness ItEthan Kross - Author of Chatter and Acclaimed PsychologistContinue to Listen & LearnPromoting Mindfulness, Well-Being, and Sanity In the Edit Bay | with Kevin Tent, ACETired of Holding it Together All the Time? Here are Five Basic Needs to Get You Back On TrackHow Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James ClearHow to Pursue Fulfilling Work and Find Your ‘Calling’ | with Dr. Tal Ben-ShaharThe Four Tendencies’ (aka ‘The Matrix’ For Understanding Yourself & Others) | with Gretchen RubinIt’s Never Too Late to Get Stronger (and Become a Ninja) | with Ginny MacColl, ANWBreaking Down Impossible Obstacles to Make (Almost) Anything Achievable | with Jessie Graff, ANWDefining Your Purpose and Living Large | with Tony HortonHow to Go From Couch to the (Spartan) Course | with Rose Wetzel, ANWGetting 1% Better Every Single Day | with Westley Silvestri, ANWMastering The Mental Game of Focus | with Kevin Bull, ANWUsing Fitness to Overcome Parkinson’s and Become a Ninja | With Jimmy Choi, ANWThe Science Behind Success and Creative Burnout (And Why You’re Approaching Both Mostly Wrong) | with Eric BarkerOur Generous Sponsor:This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.Guest Bio: Ethan Kross is one of the world’s leading experts on controlling the conscious mind. An award-winning professor in the University of Michigan’s top ranked Psychology Department and its Ross School of Business, he is the director of the Emotion & Self Control Laboratory.Ethan has participated in policy discussion at the White House and has been interviewed about his research on CBS Evening News, Good Morning America, Anderson Cooper Full Circle, and NPR’s Morning Edition. His research has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, The New England Journal of Medicine, and Science.His book, CHATTER: The Voice in Our Head, Why it Matters and How to Harness It, is a National Bestseller and was chosen as one of the best new books of the year by the Washington Post, CNN and USA Today and the Winning Winter 2021 selection for Malcolm Gladwell, Adam Grant, Susan Cain and Dan Pink’s Next Big Idea Book Club.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

When editor and 1st AE Chris Patterson reached out to me earlier this year, he was stuck trying to figure out how to convince his colleagues he was ready to edit. He knew he had the skills, but he didn’t have the experience (or the credits) such that people were willing to take the chance on him. Not even six months later after working with me in the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program he posted this in the #wins channel in our Slack community:Editor Chris Patterson has spent much of his career as the lead 1st AE working with some of the biggest names in editing & directing. A short list of the features he's worked on includes Ready Player One, The Post, Royal Tenenbaums, Zero Dark Thirty, The Town, and Analyze That. And Chris has worked with editors such as Michael Kahn, Dylan Tichenor, Billy Goldenberg, and many more.But when Chris decided it was time to make the transition into the editor’s chair, he hit more than a few roadblocks:One of his biggest fears was “bothering people” in his outreach.Another fear was “selling himself” without sounding egotistical about his level of skill and experience in the industry (I mean c’mon...he’s worked with Spielberg!).And ultimately he didn’t know how to address the “elephant in the room” that he didn’t have enough editing credits for someone to take a chance on him.When the pandemic hit and Hollywood shut down, Chris recognized that he was ready to make the transition to editor. Yet his fears of bothering people and asking for help left him feeling stuck and unsure of how to make the change. That's when he joined the Optimizer community and learned some valuable lessons and tools which led him to getting a job editing his first feature.In today's conversation, Chris talks about the challenges he faced with networking, the mindset shifts he made, and the a-ha moments he had to get him unstuck and moving to the next level of his career. And in the later half of the interview you'll hear me put Chris on the Hot Seat as we prepare him for how to confidently sell himself as a capable editor that any producer would hire for his next project.→ Click here to learn more about working with me in the Optimizer programWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How Chris got his first job working with Michael KahnExplanation of the two traps that keep you stuck in a career you have outgrown.What practical questions you need to ask yourself when making a career transition.The final straw that got Chris to say no to the assistant jobs and risk going for an editing gig.The most valuable lesson that you don't learn in film school.Chris's strategy for convincing people that he can be an editor.The lessons he learned by working with the best editors in the business.The key takeaway Chris got from my Advanced Networking class.An exercise anyone can do to sell yourself with confidence.How to structure your story so that your skills sell your ability when your experience doesn’t yet.Set realistic expectations to set yourself up for success and not failure.Chris’s advice to anyone trying to succeed in their career. Useful Resources Mentioned:Optimizer Coaching ProgramContinue to Listen & LearnThe Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace TashjianI need help making a career transition | Optimize YourselfInsider's Guide to Writing Cold OutreachOn the Vital Importance of "Being Nice" | with Jesse Averna, ACEHow to Keep Working As An Editor (After You’ve Made the Transition From AE) | with Susan Vaill, ACEHow to Find the Right Type of Mentor For You (and When You Should Seek the Best)How to Go From Cold Contact to Your Ideal Mentor In Seven Simple StepsIMDbPro for Networking: The 10 Features That Will Take Your Outreach to a New LevelHow to Avoid Getting Pigeonholed, The ‘Concentric Circles of Networking’ & More | with Doc Crotzer, ACEOur Generous Sponsor:This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.Guest Bio:Chris Patterson began his editing career in New York City, coming up as an assistant & associate editor under Andrew Mondshein on such films as Analyze That and Casanova. After moving to Los Angeles,he worked under such luminaries as Michael Kahn and Dylan Tichenor on such movies as Ready Player One and Zero Dark Thirty. He is currently editing Sean Patrick Flanery’s feature film directorial debut Frank and Penelope.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

When editor Marcella Garcia originally reached out to me in January because she was stuck in the wrong place in her career and wanted to make a seemingly impossible transition into scripted entertainment, she did not expect to be sending me this message just six months later (in the Optimizer Slack community):Like Marcella, when people come to me for help, they commonly describe themselves as feeling stuck, overwhelmed, burned out, and ready to change. They are burdened with limiting beliefs that convince them they “can’t change,” and they have no idea what the path looks like to get where they want to go next. Whether that sounds like personal growth jargon to you or not is irrelevant - what really matters are the results.Marcella is a shining example of the results that are possible when you put in the work. Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, Marcella didn't see a lot of other Mexican-American women becoming Hollywood film and television editors. Unconsciously this lack of representation held her back and even limited her dreams of what might be possible for her own career. She worked as a short form editor on digital lifestyle content for Fortune 500 magazine brands, but it wasn't until she mentored young women in high school that she realized she wanted more from her career.This led her to join the Optimizer coaching and mentorship program, and six months later the rest is history. In our conversation you'll hear how Marcella overcame her anxious thoughts, faced her fears, and discovered how much more she's capable of achieving. You’ll also learn how she created a very clear (and very doable) path that has not only led Marcella to her first job as an assistant editor in scripted television, she's now mentoring other young women to pursue their passions in film and television becoming the representation she never had.→ Click here to learn more about working with me in the Optimizer programWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Marcella's history in editing and what brought her to the Optimizer community in January.The fears that held her back and made her doubt what she was capable of becoming.The challenges of being a Mexican American woman in editing.What led to Marcella ‘finding her why’ that has kept her motivated to keep pursuing her dreams.The story behind Marcella's limiting beliefs and how she discovered her true passion in scripted film and television.How she dealt with the obstacle and fear of saying no to opportunities that weren't right.The importance of always providing value to others even when it means not getting what you think you want right away.KEY TAKEAWAY:  We’re playing a game of chess not checkers.The factors that changed for Marcella to get her unlocked from her limiting beliefs.Marcella's ‘Tendency’ and how she learned to deal with analysis paralysis.Learning your secondary tendency and how to manage it.Discovering how to pay attention to what you want and building awareness to patterns and habits that have been programmed since childhood.How being vulnerable in the Optimizer Community helped her get a job as a scripted AE.The incredible story of how Marcella nailed her interview to get the job she wanted.Marcella's advice for anyone wanting to start out on this journey who feels stuck and unsure of where to start. Useful Resources Mentioned:Optimizer Coaching ProgramContinue to Listen & LearnHow to Find the Right Type of Mentor For You (and When You Should Seek the Best)How to Go From Cold Contact to Your Ideal Mentor In Seven Simple StepsIMDbPro for Networking: The 10 Features That Will Take Your Outreach to a New LevelHow to Avoid Getting Pigeonholed, The ‘Concentric Circles of Networking’ & More | with Doc Crotzer, ACEThe Socially Awkward Introvert’s Guide to Networking with Industry “Experts”On the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi ArmaganianThe Four Tendencies’ (aka ‘The Matrix’ For Understanding Yourself & Others) | with Gretchen RubinChasing After the Next Gig vs. Building Your Career | with Kabir Ahktar, ACE[CASE STUDY] Why I Said No to a Job (A Great One)…During a PandemicIMDbPro for Networking: The 10 Features That Will Take Your Outreach to a New Level (optimizeyourself.me)[Case Study] Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Better Managing Your Time, And Making the Most of This Pandemic | with Ariel Fujita, Kristi Shimek, and Maxton WallerOur Generous Sponsor:This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.Guest Bio:Marcella is currently an assistant editor within the world of scripted television. Her desire to create, connect and collaborate with others to tell unique, impactful stories is what drives her to continuously grow within the film and television industry. Prior to becoming a scripted television assistant editor Marcella has worked as an editor for digital lifestyle content for Fortune 500 magazine brands and assisted on United Skates, an Emmy nominated documentary film.If you ask her what her greatest achievements have been over the past few years, she will say overcoming her own fears and limiting beliefs. This has allowed her to continuously reach her goals which has only fueled her to begin mentoring young, creative Mexican-American women from her hometown of San Antonio, Texas. By sharing her experience she hopes to inspire others.When she's not doing what she loves, she is drinking far too many Matcha lattes and biking around town.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Chris Orsi, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

This session dives into networking strategies for EditFest, where Denise Chan seeks tips on making genuine connections. You'll learn how to frame specific questions that clarify your networking goals. Discover the importance of quality over quantity in your connections, and why small talk should evolve into meaningful conversations. Zack emphasizes preparation and targeted interactions, urging listeners to treat events like the Super Bowl with a solid game plan. Unlock the power of asking thoughtful questions to foster deeper relationships!

In case you missed the announcement, the Optimize Yourself podcast is currently on summer hiatus, but that doesn’t mean we plan to leave you high and dry without engaging conversations that educate, motivate, and inspire you. We’ll be back this fall with some significant changes and improvements to the show, but in the meantime…...this week I’d like to share a fairly recent interview I did with Steve Hulfish on his Art of the Cut podcast which is now a part of the Frame.io world. In this interview Steve and I do a deep dive into my work as an editor on Cobra Kai, both creatively and how I strategically landed my dream job, we talk about my larger career, what really drives me, and of course we talk at least a little bit about staying active at the office with a bit of bonus talk about my training for American Ninja Warrior. I can’t recommend Art of the Cut highly enough if you want to listen to the top editors in the world talk about their craft. You can find it via your podcast app of choice or by visiting Frame.io Insider at blog.frame.io. And now without further adieu my interview with Art of the Cut and Steve Hullfish.→ Click here to go to the full interview page at Art of the Cut podcast→ Click here to go to Frame.io Insider home page

In case you missed the announcement, the Optimize Yourself podcast is currently on summer hiatus, but that doesn’t mean we plan to leave you high and dry without engaging conversations that educate, motivate, and inspire you. We’ll be back this fall with some significant changes and improvements to the show, but in the meantime…...this week I’d like to share an interview I did with Javier Mercedes for his show Passion In Progress where Javier inspires his listeners to get out and pursue their passions by interviewing creators about their successes, failures, and wisdom gained from putting in the work, as he puts it. I’m really excited about sharing this conversation specifically because Javier and I go deep specifically about the concept of finding and defining your deeper why so that you can really have a sense of purpose and direction with your work and your life. If you want to follow Javier and all the work he’s doing in addition to this podcast interview just go to javiermercedes.com….And now without further adieu my Passion In Progress interview with Javier Mercedes.→ Click here to go to the full interview page at Passion In Progress podcast→ Click here to go to Passion In Progress home page