In this episode, comedian and filmmaker Mary Tilden joins Mishu to talk about the weird in-between of writing when you can’t tell if your ideas are good—or garbage. They get into how theater and improv keep her connected, how she navigates the chaos of multiple drafts, and why trusting actors might be the key to better screenwriting. It’s a playful, honest, and surprisingly precise look at process, procrastination, and the way dialogue starts to hum when you stop trying to make it perfect. Mary Tilden is a comedian and filmmaker originally from South Carolina. She co-produced and starred in Cool for Five Seconds (Midwest Film Festival Grand Prize, 2021) and directed the award-winning Rough River Lake . Her comedy work includes the short films Yes, Andrea , The Unfinished Film , Fern , and the web series Collaborate & Listen , with screenings at Cinequest, SeriesFest, and more. We talk about: → Writing when your drafts are all over the place → Using improv to unstick your creativity → The trap of comparing your script to someone else’s finished film → Why dialogue is a playground—not a performance review → Working on self-kindness when the draft feels like a mess Listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

Filmmaker and producer Jamie Kreppein joins Mishu for a warm, honest conversation about the invisible labor that makes independent filmmaking possible—and meaningful. They talk about the structures behind the stories, the gentle power of showing up, and how leadership can look like care, especially on underfunded sets. From feature films like Roller Babiez and Year One to the community-run event Film Girlz Brunch , Jamie’s work lives at the intersection of art and relationship. She shares how production roles like AD, coordinator, or casting director offer their own kind of creative fulfillment—and why she’s just as energized by a school film set as she is by a packed festival screening. They dig into scheduling as storytelling, designing rest into your process, and how to avoid burnout while keeping your standards high. Jamie Kreppein is a Chicago-based director, producer, live events coordinator, and one of the co-founders of Rm. 19 Productions—a company that champions femme filmmakers and intentionally crafted stories. She has worked on numerous indie features and short films across directing, ADing, and producing roles, and is also a dedicated arts educator at Warren Township High School. We talk about: → Crew culture and care as a leadership practice → The power of soft-spoken persistence → Why everyone should try ADing at least once → Finding creative fuel in teaching → Working on Roller Babiez , Year One , and Primos → Scheduling as emotional architecture Find more from Jamie: Website: rm19productions.com Instagram: @j_krepps & @rm.19productions Listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

Filmmaker and screenwriter CJ Arellano joins Mishu to talk shop on platforms, posting, prestige, and playing the long game in a fragmented media landscape. With humor and insight, CJ reflects on how content creation has become a testing ground for audience connection—what hits, what flops, and why “dumb ideas” on Instagram sometimes say more than a perfectly polished pitch deck. From viral sketches to award-winning horror shorts, CJ shares how he's balancing snarky realism with real artistic stakes. They explore the tension between algorithmic engagement and emotional resonance, why TikTok might be the new soap opera, and how communal attention still matters. Also: soap, slot machines, vertical mansion porn, and CJ’s surprise metric for success. CJ Arellano is a horror, comedy, and fantasy storyteller whose award-winning shorts—including Dry January and Griffica —have landed him directing honors and grand prize wins across major screenwriting competitions. When not making smart genre work with bite, he’s directing for brands like McDonald’s and The Second City. His work has appeared everywhere from the British Horror Film Festival to your phone’s Reels tab. We talk about: → Posting like an open mic → Making “dumb” content that’s secretly universal → The A24 version of vertical video → Treating Instagram like a testing ground → Playing the long game while feeding the content beast → Why collective laughter still hits harder than your FYP Find more from CJ: Website: cjarellano.com Instagram: @cjlgva Substack: cjlgva.substack.com Listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

What happens when you stop waiting for a seat at the table—and start building the whole building? In this episode, Troy Pryor and I talk about designing creative ecosystems, the long game of legacy, and what it actually takes to create sustainable platforms for underrepresented voices in media. We also dig into the power of “showing your work,” Troy’s early wins as a host and director, and how to protect momentum when you’re juggling a dozen parallel projects. Troy Pryor is the founder of Creative Cypher , a portfolio of entertainment brands (including XL Film Fest, Cypher Newsroom, and Dark Berry Productions), and currently serves as Vice President of SAG-AFTRA Chicago . His award-winning projects span film, television, and live media, and his directorial debut on TV One’s Change Agents set the tone for a career grounded in collaboration and impact. In 2024, he won a Telly Award for the short film An Outfit , and continues to lead platforms that bridge industry access gaps with intention and scale. We talk about: → Why community-centered work is harder—and more valuable → The “proof of concept” trap and how to move beyond it → Why a good brand pitch sounds like a conversation → How to protect your calendar from busy work → Taking a studio-style approach to local storytelling Upcoming: 🎬 XL Film Festival runs August 14–23 in Chicago 📍 Info + lineup: creativecypher.org/xl-fest 🎟️ RSVP for the Magnolia Pictures advance screening of 40 Acres on June 19th, 7:30pm at AMC River East 21 : RSVP here Follow Troy’s work: Instagram: @creativecypher & @xlfilmfestival More at: creativecypher.org Listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

Filmmaker Shelby “SB” Gamble joins me for a conversation about scrappy sets, strange stories, and the tension between polish and personal vision. We talk about learning to trust your instincts on shoots, the differences between commercial and narrative work, and how to stay creatively motivated when you’re wearing five hats. Shelby Gamble is a Chicago-based filmmaker, cinematographer, and video content producer with a sharp eye for story and a soft spot for the strange. By day, Shelby shoots polished campaigns for hotels, restaurants, and global brands. By night, he’s in the basement (literally) making indie queer films with heart and grit. A former 1st AC turned indie director, Shelby brings big ideas to small budgets—and somehow still makes them look expensive. We talk about: → Turning a hotel gig into a visually rich reel → What Power Rangers taught him about filmmaking → Navigating chaos on set without losing clarity → The risk and reward of trusting nontraditional scripts → Learning when to let go—and when to dig in Follow Shelby: Website: sbgamble.com Instagram: @sbgamble Company: goodfightfilms.com Watch Dream Boy now on Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/100031365/dream-boy Listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

In this episode, Julia Relova and I talk about that tender mix of creative joy and quiet comparison—what happens when you see a story close to your own finally break through, and the voice in your head says, “Does that mean I’ve missed my chance?” We get into scarcity mindset, energy tracking, and the sometimes-tricky shift from generous collaborator to intentional boundary-setter. Julia Relova is a queer Filipino-American filmmaker, creative producer, and community builder based in Chicago. She co-founded Rm. 19 Productions, a company committed to telling stories that center women—both on screen and behind the camera. Her credits include producing features like ROLLER BABIEZ and YEAR ONE , and she's spent years in program management across big tech and nonprofit sectors. These days, she’s focused on writing her first feature High, Mom , and reminding herself that sometimes, the best work starts when you let the outline break. We talk about: → Celebrating watching other people get their flowers → How energy (not time) might be your most precious creative resource → Creating a rubric for saying yes to collaborations → The balance between showing up for your community and showing up for your own work → And why extroverts sometimes rot on the couch too Find Julia and Room 19 Productions on Instagram: @juliarelova , @rm.19productions Check out her work and podcast: anywhereishome-podcast.com Listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

In this episode, Katherine Quinn and I explore what it means to tell stories that resist spectacle. We talk about choosing stillness over fuss, pacing that invites pause, and the creative rebellion of writing conflict-averse characters—on purpose. Katherine is a New York-based writer and filmmaker whose work has screened at the Long Youth Film Festival, The New York Monthly Film Festival, and Cinema Arts Center’s Filmmaker Soirée. A magna cum laude graduate of Binghamton University, she sees filmmaking as the intersection of her passions—writing, acting, music, and fashion. In her words, her goal isn’t to change your life—it’s to help you realize you’re not alone in yours. We talk about: → The tension of being conflict-avoidant in a medium obsessed with catharsis → Slice-of-life filmmaking and Linklater’s influence → When flat delivery is a stylistic choice → Critiquing your own work without hating it → The trap of mistaking volume for value Learn more at her Website , on Instagram @katherine_mj_quinn and YouTube Katherine Quinn Films . Listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

Ryan Satterfeal is a multi-award-winning actor, writer, and musician whose curiosity led him from garage bands to community theater—and eventually, to screen roles in Chicago Med , commercials, and indie films like Life Unexpected , Poser , and Clown Shoes . In this conversation, we talk about why he still reads scripts with both his actor and writer brain, how he handles risk and mischief in the audition room, and what it means to trust your impulses without letting your craft become automatic. Ryan shares how he finds the “sentence of a scene,” navigates vague direction, and finds his footing in the ever-changing world of self-tapes, stage performance, and set collaboration. We also talk about what makes something big —not in budget, but in impact—and why you sometimes have to make the project you want to see. We talk about: → Letting go of technical rigidity and trusting the “why” behind the line → Navigating vague or rushed direction on set → The role of mischief and discomfort in his audition process → Reading the script with a writer’s ear, even as an actor → What gets in the way of authentic point of view—and what helps it shine → How self-awareness and pacing choices set a tone for collaboration → Why he’s not a fan of the word “content”—and what he prefers to make instead Connect with Ryan on Instagram and Bluesky: @ryansatterfeal Listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

Actor, author, voiceover artist, improv performer—Ruth Kaufman has worn a lot of hats. In this conversation, we talk about what it means to stay present and committed in a saturated industry, even when the wins are hard to see. From casting breakdowns and shifting expectations to how self-tapes changed the emotional math of auditioning, Ruth shares how she’s managed to keep her love for the work without losing herself to the chaos of the market. She’s been a Marvel attorney, a best actress nominee, and a comedic novelist, and has thousands of VO credits under her belt. Her films have screened across the country, and her book My Life as an Extra was a Top Comedy finalist in the Launch Pad Prose Competition. You might’ve also caught her on “America’s Funniest People” or “America’s Got Talent.” She brings a mix of seasoned perspective and no-nonsense warmth to the mic—and reminds us that sometimes, relevance is just showing up with integrity. We talk about: → How audition metrics mess with your head → Why “make your own work” isn’t always the answer → The boredom of parent roles—and how to say no → Producing, promoting, and the exhaustion of funding cycles → How to stay visible without selling your soul Find out more at ruthtalks.com Follow Ruth on Instagram at @ruth.kaufman and on Facebook Listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

Some projects come together in a rush. Others take years of quiet build-up, trust, and timing. In this episode, Mishu and Colin unpack what it takes to move a project from an idea to the finish line—without burning out your team or yourself. They talk about clear communication on set, why structure matters even in creative chaos, and how to stay flexible while holding on to your vision. Colin has worked on everything from The Bear to The Batman , but his own short film FISH EYE won “Best Editing of the Year” at the Midwest Film Festival and screened at several fests. A graduate of the Chicago International Film Festival’s CIX Lab, he’s currently raising funds for Art of Alchemy , a feature he hopes to shoot in 2026. He’s also working on Monsters , an upcoming series for Netflix. We talk about: → cultivating risk through taste rather than shock value → designing humane sets that people want to return to → how pitch decks can be moodboards, not just info dumps → what keeps you going when the industry feels broken → directing as authorship, and producing as service Check out more of Colin’s work at vimeo.com/spacecaveproductions and follow him on Instagram at @space_cave . Listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

Filmmaking doesn't always go according to plan—but for Andrea Zile Bish, that’s part of the fun. In this episode, Bish and Mishu talk about the ups and downs of directing both comedy and horror, the balance between structure and spontaneity, and the vulnerable realities of post-production burnout. They also unpack the myth of the auteur, share thoughts on directing tone-sensitive scenes with care, and explore how an improv mindset can make you a more adaptive—and more generous—filmmaker. Andrea Zile Bish is a Chicago-based film and theater director whose vibrant, genre-blending work has screened at over 20 film festivals across the U.S. Her award-winning anti-rom com Last Date and the ultra-colorful It’s Your Night, Babe! are just a taste of her eclectic slate. With a directing BFA from Carnegie Mellon University and a certificate from Second City Film School, Bish fuses traditional technique with an improvisational spirit. She co-founded Script Night in Chicago and has produced surreal, strange, and surprising work under her banner, Cathode Ray Pigeon. We talk about: → The reality of directing comedy, horror, and everything in between → What to do when a scene “isn’t working” and there’s no time to panic → Editing breakdowns, deadline spirals, and the emotional math of finishing → Rewriting tone on the fly and protecting actors in uncomfortable scenes → Why post production burnout is real—and why collaboration chemistry might save you Check out Andrea’s work at zilebish.com and follow her on Instagram @zilebish . ➕ Keep an eye out for her comedy It’s Your Night, Babe! screening around Chicago, and upcoming releases including La Law Firm and her new horror short Alone in the Woods. Listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

What happens when a filmmaker stops writing from the outside in—and starts building stories from the subconscious out? In this episode, Jordan Tragash joins Mishu for a conversation that gets into experimental structure, emotional disorientation, and the creative tension between clarity and chaos. They explore the value of discomfort, the illusions of control, and why Jordan has no interest in telling you what his films are about. Jordan is a writer-director and creative producer named “One To Watch” by The Guardian in 2024 after the release of his debut feature BAM! , which earned audience awards at Wicked Queer and nominations at Rome Independent and Fresno Reel Pride. His previous shorts include By A Thread (Pentimenti Emerging Filmmaker Award) and Only Strangers Sleep In My Bed , which has amassed over 100k YouTube views. A Wesleyan grad with degrees in Theater and Economics, Jordan works between New York, Chicago, and LA, integrating market insight and emotional intelligence into his uniquely absurd, character-focused work. We talk about: → Writing from personal discomfort, fear, and absurdism → Rebuking three-act structure—and what happened in his writers’ group when he did → Audience interpretation vs. authorial control → What it means to build “the vibe” without giving up rigor → Why he’ll never tell you what a film is about Watch Jordan’s feature film BAM! now on Tubi , or rent it on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+. Follow him on Instagram at @jtragash and track his next project Cinghiale at @cinghialefilm . Listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

What makes a story resonate—and what’s the cost of writing one that doesn’t play it safe? In this episode, Jennie McMurtry joins Mishu to talk about screenwriting in the indie world, from crafting high-stakes pilots to rewriting cult thrillers that feel unnervingly plausible. They chat about the pressure of self-producing, learning when to ask for money (and when to call in favors), and the liberating joy of writing unhinged women, flawed villains, and characters that push back against lazy tropes. Jennie is a Chicago-based screenwriter, story editor, and founder of the Chicago Film Events community. She’s honed her craft through Second City, iO, and mentorships with writers like Shonda Rhimes and Brent Forrester. Through her community work and collaborations, Jennie helps filmmakers navigate the indie ecosystem, advocate for paid writing, and spotlight emerging women-led projects. Her writing is character-driven, politically aware, and proudly allergic to cliché. We talk about: → Rewriting villains with actual interiority → What cults and pyramid schemes teach us about narrative structure → Indie pricing psychology: why you should budget for yourself → Finding the line between creative risk and responsible representation and the impactful documentary Code of The Freaks → Why your “bad” first draft is probably doing its job Learn more about Jennie’s work and community building via Chicago Film Events @chicagofilmevents and download her app. Official Website: www.jenniefromnebraska.com Instagram at @jenniefromne , and @abbyneedsafriend . YouTube at @jenniefromnebraska . Listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

What happens when you stop trying to be Wes Anderson and start figuring out what’s actually yours to say? In this episode, filmmaker, writer and editor Kyle Leland Cullerton joins Mishu for a refreshingly candid conversation about fear, delusion, and creative self-awareness. They talk about the high-stakes neurosis of editing, the discipline of outlining, and why learning to tolerate imperfection might be the only way to finish anything worthwhile. Kyle grew up in Chicago’s Boystown neighborhood and got his start working on the studio film Wanted at just 17. Since then, he’s directed nearly 30 shorts and music videos, won over 20 awards for his series Hammersmith , and had a 48 Hour Film Project short screen internationally at the 2018 Festival de Cannes. His work has appeared in campaigns for the Cubs, Blackhawks, Bud Light, and Subaru. We get into: → Why subtext is the real emotional currency of a scene → The terror of the first draft—and the secret weapon of the outline → Why a good edit requires a little bit of madness → Wrestling with imposter syndrome and calling it commitment → Making short films that actually feel like you 🎟 Buy tickets for the 3rd annual Screen Time showcase at the Davis Theater (May 29): Eventbrite link Learn more at vimeo.com/kalopsiafilms Follow Kyle on Instagram at @kyle_leland_ Listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

What does it mean to direct with care in an industry that often forgets its people? In this episode, George Ellzey Jr. joins Mishu for an unflinching and heartfelt conversation about navigating burnout, building emotionally safe sets, and resisting the achievement spiral. They explore the quiet rewards of creative leadership, how to protect your joy when the hustle hits hard, and why making room for humanity on set might be the most radical thing you can do. George is a Chicago-based director and screenwriter known for his award-winning short Cottage Grove (now streaming on AMC+) and his experimental film SWITCHIN’ , featured on NBC5 Chicago and Open Television. His work has screened at national and international festivals including Athens International, Black Harvest, Micheaux, and Tallgrass. George recently won Best Student Narrative ( Cottage Grove ) and Best Screenplay ( All Good ) at the 2025 Lindsey Film Festival. A graduate of Bowdoin College and DePaul University’s MFA program, he brings a steady, reflective voice to Chicago’s evolving indie film scene. In this episode, we talk about: → Setting boundaries and expectations on indie sets → The danger of achievement obsession in creative careers → Burnout, depression, and learning to pause → Sharing knowledge instead of gatekeeping → Leading with care and creating room for vulnerability Learn more about George’s work and follow his production company on Instagram at @cottagegroveproductions . You can follow us on Instagram and TikTok @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…