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Episode 17 of the Variable Podcast features filmmaker Lindsey Hagen on the topic of "Creative Recovery: Filmmaking as a Therapeutic Process"

Podcast Description: Join filmmaker and Gnarly Bay's Head of Development Lindsey Hagen in conversation as we explore her journey and how filmmaking became a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. Listeners will gain insight into Hagen's experiences and how they have shaped her approach to storytelling. This conversation is moderated by filmmaker and Variable founder, Jon Bregel. 

Lindsey's Website: https://lindseyhagen.net/

Lindsey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linze3

Lindsey's Bio: Lindsey Hagen is an Oscar qualified Director, Executive Producer and Development Executive with a focus on cause related storytelling. Lindsey has a background in sales and marketing, journalism, brand strategy and documentary filmmaking. She leads a successful career ideating and pitching meaningful stories to brand and network partners, creating compelling human centered films and campaigns. Lindsey currently leads development efforts at gnarly bay studios based in RI and CO. Lindsey’s films have gone onto Oscar qualifying festivals like Tribeca, DocNYC, BigSky and Outfest and have won numerous Staff Picks and Telly Awards. Her film “After Skid Row” Oscar Qualified in 2023 and was acquired by The LA Times Short Docs program, her film “California Natural” was nominated for the James Beard Commercial Media Award and her short documentary “High Road” was voted Vimeo’s Best of Year in the branded film category.

Variable is a community for filmmakers who prioritize wellness & growth. 

Join the Variable community via Free Trial today: www.wearevariable.com

Join Variable founder & filmmaker Jon Bregel and episode co-host cinematographer Jared Levy as they discuss "becoming jaded as a filmmaker." Delve into their personal journeys, insights, and observations in this candid exploration of the challenges and revelations faced in the world of filmmaking.



About Our Guest: Jared Levy is a cinematographer based in NYC. Jared is also the host of the Art vs Commerce Podcast (⁠http://www.avcpod.com/⁠), a conversation with creative industry professionals who have made a career out of their art. Discussions cover guest’s careers diving into the details of their decision making as they navigate the film, television and commercial industries.



Jared's website: ⁠www.jaredlevy.nyc⁠



Follow Jared on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jared_levy/?hl=en



Variable is a community for filmmakers who prioritize wellness & growth. 



Join the Variable community via Free Trial today: ⁠www.wearevariable.com

In this discussion with Kim Rapach, Mental Wellness Coach, we will unapologetically challenge the conventional belief that fame and success are the ultimate keys to happiness and emotional fulfillment. This discussion will explore the often-overlooked aspects of true wealth – emotional wellness, meaningful connections, and personal development. Through insightful anecdotes and evidence-based insights, we’ll discover how redefining success to prioritize emotional health can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. Prepare to challenge your perspectives, embrace the richness of your emotions, and embark on a journey toward a more authentic and emotionally abundant existence.



Kims Bio: "With over twenty years of experience on both sides of therapy and coaching, Kim uses her personal and professional experience to help high-performing artists and entrepreneurs find the missing links to dissatisfaction in their personal lives. Kim is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Certified Enneagram Coach, and a Financial Coach." 



Kim's Website: https://www.kimrapach.com/



Variable is a community for filmmakers who prioritize wellness & growth. 



Join the Variable community via Free Trial today: www.wearevariable.com

Episode 14 of the Variable Podcast features cinematographer Benjamin Loeb FNF, on the topic of “Losing Ourselves to Our Work”

Podcast Description: Benjamin and I met over a decade ago in the New York City filmmaking scene. While our career paths look quite different, we have both experienced the realities of losing different parts of ourselves to film work. In this conversation, Benjamin and I dive into the various factors and circumstances that contributed to feeling lost, what those experiences were like, as well as what has helped, and continues to help us grow as human beings.Benjamin's Bio: Benjamin Loeb is a Norwegian/Canadian cinematographer. In 2011 he completed his Bachelor degree at Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver.

After graduating Benjamin continued working in industry and quickly built a reputation shooting commercials, music videos, and narrative projects around the world. Since his graduation he has lived in Oslo, New York, and Reykjavik.

Benjamin's feature film portfolio includes multiple films for A24, "After Yang", "When you Finish Saving the World", "Mandy", "Pieces of a Woman", and many more. 

Benjamin's commercial portfolio includes projects for Samsung, VW, Brand Jordan, Montblanc, MLB, and more.

Benjamin is represented by WME in North America, and by LUX in Europe and the rest of the world. He is also a member of the Norwegian Cinematographers Association.Benjamin's Website: https://loebben.com/

Variable is a community for filmmakers who prioritize wellness & growth. 

Join the Variable community via Free Trial today: www.wearevariable.com

Join the Variable community via Free Trial today: www.wearevariable.com



Episode 13 features director Executive Producer and Life & Career Coach, Lisa Shires, on the topic of “Leaning Into The Discomfort of Change.”



Episode Description (by Lisa): One thing is certain - change is a constant. With change, there can be some sense of discomfort. But that feeling of discomfort is the best of signs because it's proof that you're in active evolution. As people and creatives, evolution in THE response to change. It's where we're offered the option to grow and to push the edges of where we were yesterday. It helps us to challenge, set and maintain the boundaries we have set. It's what fuels creative resilience and relevancy. The surprising part is that navigating this doesn't have to be hard.



Lisa’s Bio: I am a certified life coach, advertising/production executive, M.B.A., mother of three, business owner, successful career pivoter, trauma survivor, and friend of vulnerability. Life is a wild ride and I KNOW FOR A FACT that getting behind the helm and charting a course that is undeniably you is 100% possible and available. I’m here to work with people who are ready to take that first step, work through the muck and live their best personal and professional life. I’ll meet you right where you are.



Lisa’s Website: www.lisashirescoaching.com

Lisa's Instagram: instagram.com/lisashires/



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Variable is a community for filmmakers who prioritize wellness & growth. 



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Episode 12 features director Diego Contreras on the topic of “When to Push, and When to Let Go.” 



Episode Description: As we set out to achieve our vision as filmmakers, on any given project there are hundreds (if not thousands) of creative decisions; all of which call for varying degrees of 'pushing' and/or 'letting go'. It's how we navigate this dance that not only reveals itself in the quality of our work, but also in our character. Through over a decade of directing ad's for some of the biggest brands, Diego Contreras has learned a thing or two about this delicate dance of 'pushing' and 'letting go.' He'll be the first to say that he doesn't have all of the answers, and he very well may not, but also keep in mind that Diego a super humble guy :)

In this conversation we dive into Diego's origins and learn where his grit and convictions were formed. We then dive into the importance of having a vision when creating high-level work, which will lead us into Diego's thoughts & experiences surrounding the balance of 'pushing' and 'letting go' throughout various points in the creative process; pitching, production, and post-production.



Diego’s Bio: I'm a commercial and music video director based in Los Angeles and represented by LOVE SONG. Love Song is a production company founded by award-winning director Daniel Wolfe and Kelly Bayett. I've directed spots and branded content for clients such as Apple, Facebook, Ford, Target, Reebok, GE, Lincoln Motors, Stoli Vodka, 23andMe, Blue Moon and Geico. And for agencies including Droga5, Wieden + Kennedy, BBDO NY, BBH, Mother, Venables Bell and Partners, The Martin Agency, Anomaly, Publicis Paris, Hudson Rouge, etc. Before becoming a full-time director in 2015, I worked as an Associate Creative Director and Art Director at agencies such as BBDO NY, Anomaly, and Crispin Porter + Bogusky.



Diego's Website: http://www.thisisdiego.net/



*Variable is a community for filmmakers who prioritize wellness & growth*



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