During my conversation with filmmaker Michael Matteo Rossi we got into something interesting about the early days of the 2020 pandemic. People were acting a little... peculiar. Especially those who normally were not a fan of firearms. All of sudden, I had them hitting me up for ammo. Go figure.…
A Director’s Advice for Emerging Filmmakers... One thing we talked about in this episode is authenticity in filmmaking. Michael Matteo Rossi made a point that a lot of emerging filmmakers try to check boxes or chase trends instead of focusing on the most important thing… Entertaining the audience. If people…
First time I met Mike O’Hearn was at the Arnold Classic around 2000. Fast forward 20+ years… now we’re acting in a film together. (Yes, he chokes me out.) In this episode, director Michael Matteo Rossi breaks down the making of Censor Addiction: A sci-fi set in 2030, inspired by…
New episode out now on The Morning Formation podcast! 🎧 I sat down with LA director Michael Matteo Rossi to talk about how the events of 2020 inspired his new sci-fi thriller, Censor Addiction, set in 2030. We get into: 🧠 the psychological impact people don’t always talk about 🧟…
What if obedience felt safer than truth? We sit with writer-director Michael Mateo Rossi to explore Censor Addiction, a taut sci-fi action thriller set in 2030 where a weaponized pill keeps society compliant and a small band of rebels decides it’s time to fight back. Born from the disorientation of…
New episode releases tomorrow. I sat down with LA writer-director Michael Matteo Rossi to discuss the making of his latest film, Censor Addiction. We talk pandemic-era inspiration, building strong set culture, navigating indie distribution, and staying authentic in a trend-driven industry. We also talk leadership, collaboration, and the long game…
Head down. Mission first. In this week’s episode with Jeremy Filmsmore, we talk about focus, discipline, burnout, sobriety, creative business, AI pressure, and redefining success after a stroke at 33. One day you’re grinding. Next day you’re in Abu Dhabi. Check out this week's new episode wherever you get your…
Jeremy really tattooed his grandma.😂 New episode with Jeremy Filmsmore is out now. We talk travel, sobriety, discipline, filmmaking… and apparently family tattoos, too. #EntrepreneurJourney #FilmmakerLife #TattooArtist ##PodcastClip
A lot of people call it talent... I call it discipline. In this episode with Jeremy, we talk about inherent discipline, business maturity, and why your last project determines your next opportunity. If you want longevity in any industry... this matters. New episode out now on The Morning Formation podcast…
I’ve seen people put insane energy into the wrong things. In this episode with Jeremy Filmsmore we talk about focus, partying vs. purpose, sobriety, and what happens when you finally aim your intensity at something that actually builds your life. New episode out now on The Morning Formation podcast 🎧…
Everyone thinks the next level is about strategy. Sometimes it’s subtraction. He filmed in Italy, Amsterdam, Germany, Australia, Dubai. Walked through Rio’s favelas with a camera. Then at 33... he had a stroke. In this episode, Jeremy @jeremy.filmsmore walks us through the journey from global film shoots to a life-altering…
What happens when the person behind the camera becomes the story? We sit with Jeremy “Films More” and get real about the quiet grind that took him from Monterey Park to shoots in Italy, Amsterdam, Germany, Australia, and Dubai—and the moment everything stopped. At 33, a sudden stroke turned a…
Mallory lost her father in combat. She could have stayed quiet. Instead, she chose to speak. I’m grateful for every young guest who’s come on this show and reminded us that resilience doesn’t wait for adulthood. We don’t platform people because of age. We platform people because of impact. Listen…
When I transitioned out of the Army, I thought I was overqualified... reality hit different. Transitioning humbled me fast. What’s something in your career that didn’t go the way you expected? #MilitaryToCivilian #PodcastClip
She said she was going to show up for veterans. And then she did. On the podcast, Ella shared her plan for “Valentine’s for Veterans.” Not long after, she and her nonprofit Ella's Angels were in Glendale handing out Valentine’s bags to veterans... reminding them their service is never forgotten.…
She planned for 100 families... 237 showed up. Watching a young leader realize the real-world impact of service is something you don’t forget. Last week’s episode with Ella (nonprofit founder of Ella's Angels) is a reminder of what happens when you stop waiting, start small, and show up anyway. 🎧…
I see a lot of people selling programs to folks who aren’t ready. If you’re not screening people… If you’re not preparing them… If you’re just taking their money because they can pay... That’s NOT leadership. On this show, we have honest conversations about standards, responsibility, and what real leadership…
If you’re a father, your leadership at home matters more than any title you’ll ever hold. In this week's episode, I asked Ella who her biggest inspiration was. She didn’t hesitate.... “My dad.” And when he joined us on camera, you could see the pride, the humility, and the example…
Not every conversation is about getting someone to act today. Sometimes it’s about planting the seed. And trusting that when the time is right… it grows. 👇 What’s a piece of advice that didn’t hit until years later? #Leadership #GrowthMindset #PersonalDevelopment #Encouragement #Mentorship
She didn’t just learn about her family’s military history. She let it shape her mission. Now, at 16, she’s honoring that legacy by serving veterans through her nonprofit, Ella’s Angels. In this episode of The Morning Formation, we talk about family legacy, sacrifice, and what it means to truly appreciate…
She’s 16. She runs a nonprofit. AND she’s written TWO books (including a financial literacy guide for teens.) Way to go, Ella! In this episode of The Morning Formation, we discuss youth leadership, financial literacy, and what happens when young people stop waiting and start building solutions. 🎧 Listen to…
A 16-year-old honoring veterans better than most adults. In this episode, Ella Shabazian shares how her nonprofit Ella’s Angels @ellasangelsorg is serving families, launching scholarships, and creating real events for veterans. Service doesn’t have an age requirement. 🎧 Check out the full episode! It just released today on The Morning…
What happens when a 16-year-old decides to stop waiting and start serving? We sit down with Ella Shabazian, the founder of Ella’s Angels, to unpack how a small idea—help more people now—grew into a youth-led nonprofit feeding hundreds, funding scholarships, and delivering care to veterans and children’s hospitals. Ella shares…
Not every veteran lives near a VA hospital. And not every veteran knows they have options. A year ago, Michelle Lang (Operation Honor Rural Salute) joined me to talk about something that still doesn’t get enough attention: rural veterans and the gaps in care they’re facing. Community care. Access to…