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PODCAST

The 50/50 Podcast

50/50 Film Festival

50% Business, 50% Creative. Hosted by 50/50 founder Luke Steinfeld (Filmmaker), and 50/50 Head of Talent Wyatt Sarkisian (Maximum Effort), the podcast builds on the mission of the platform: to nurture and empower the next generation of industry talent. Join us every tuesday as we sit down with voices from all corners of the entertainment industry, offering educational insight into process, production, and execution.

tv & film film interviews

All Episodes

01:13:42

HOW TO: Build Your Brand (w/ Noah Wolfson)

The 50/50 Podcast ·

2025/08/13

This week, 50/50 Class President (UTA Coordinator) Noah Wolfson joins us on the show. He breaks down why the balance of power has shifted into the hands of creators—and what that means for the industry at large. We explore how AI is streamlining production and cutting costs, while also threatening the traditional entertainment job pipeline. Plus, Noah shares how to network without making it transactional, and why just 15 seconds of discomfort could be the

en

01:13:42

HOW TO: Build Your Brand (w/ Noah Wolfson)

The 50/50 Podcast ·

2025/08/13

This week, 50/50 Class President (UTA Coordinator) Noah Wolfson joins us on the show. He breaks down why the balance of power has shifted into the hands of creators—and what that means for the industry at large. We explore how AI is streamlining production and cutting costs, while also threatening the traditional entertainment job pipeline. Plus, Noah shares how to network without making it transactional, and why just 15 seconds of discomfort could be the

en

01:07:11

HOW TO: Host a Successful Monthly Comedy Show (w/...

The 50/50 Podcast ·

2025/08/06

This week on the 50/50 Podcast, Bebe Katsenes joins us (LINDA wig sadly not included) to talk about the art of building a live comedy show from the ground up. She shares how her improv roots inform her standup, the origin story behind her and Johnny Marx’s beloved character LINDA, and how she keeps audiences coming back month after month. We also dive into the challenges of finding your comedic voice in today’s divided standup scene—does only performing

en

01:05:14

HOW TO: Start a Production Company (w/ Gabby Fiszman)

The 50/50 Podcast ·

2025/07/30

Take notes, people, because this is the ultimate how to episode! This week, we’re joined by Gabby Fiszman, co-founder of Odd One Out Films (with previous pod guest Maria Quesada). In this episode, Gabby walks us through exactly how she and Maria started Odd One Out on their own terms, through building trusted networks with their closest friends and collaborators. Additionally, we touch on how to strategically transition away from your full time job while

en

01:10:20

HOW TO: Build a One Woman Show From Scratch (w/ Ruby...

The 50/50 Podcast ·

2025/07/23

Ever wonder what it's like smoking cigarettes with Natasha Lyonne outside of UCB at the age of 15? Well, you're in the right place. This week, we chat with comedian/writer/performer RUBY KARP! Credits include AFTER MIDNIGHT on CBS, THE CHARLIE PUTH SHOW, and Ruby's debut Off-Broadway stint, I DON'T TRUST ADULTS! We dig deep into the trials and tribulations of childhood fame, how social media is vital for self promotion, and what it takes to invite

en

01:10:20

HOW TO: Build a One Woman Show From Scratch (w/ Ruby...

The 50/50 Podcast ·

2025/07/23

Ever wonder what it's like smoking cigarettes with Natasha Lyonne outside of UCB at the age of 15? Well, you're in the right place. This week, we chat with comedian/writer/performer RUBY KARP! Credits include AFTER MIDNIGHT on CBS, THE CHARLIE PUTH SHOW, and Ruby's debut Off-Broadway stint, I DON'T TRUST ADULTS! We dig deep into the trials and tribulations of childhood fame, how social media is vital for self promotion, and what it takes to invite

en

01:10:18

HOW TO: Prompose To Emma Stone (w/ Jacob Staudenmaier)

The 50/50 Podcast ·

2025/07/16

We have a new Dude of the Day, and it’s Jacob Staudenmaier! His 50/50 Nominated Film, BOYS, answers the very simple question: What do Boys do tho?... But when Jacob isn’t calling out the delicate turf war of masculinity, he is a jack-of-all trades filmmaker whose consistent output of professional grade shorts is awe inspiring. In this episode, we discuss how a viral promposal to Emma Stone unexpectedly sparked Jacob's filmmaking career, how he filmed a

en

01:10:18

HOW TO: Prompose To Emma Stone (w/ Jacob Staudenmaier)

The 50/50 Podcast ·

2025/07/16

We have a new Dude of the Day, and it’s Jacob Staudenmaier! His 50/50 Nominated Film, BOYS, answers the very simple question: What do Boys do tho?... But when Jacob isn’t calling out the delicate turf war of masculinity, he is a jack-of-all trades filmmaker whose consistent output of professional grade shorts is awe inspiring. In this episode, we discuss how a viral promposal to Emma Stone unexpectedly sparked Jacob's filmmaking career, how he filmed a

en

01:01:33

HOW TO: Become Your Own Media Curator (w/ Rachel...

The 50/50 Podcast ·

2025/07/09

This week, we’re joined by Rachel Brodsky, accomplished music/pop culture journalist. We spoke for just over an hour about what it's like to chart your own path in media and criticism, and what we in the film industry can learn from the film critic. Rachel shares the early words of encouragement that nudged her toward writing and analyzing pop culture, and how learning to think critically shaped her voice as a journalist. Rachel brings up the challenges

en

01:01:33

HOW TO: Become Your Own Media Curator (w/ Rachel...

The 50/50 Podcast ·

2025/07/09

This week, we’re joined by Rachel Brodsky, accomplished music/pop culture journalist. We spoke for just over an hour about what it's like to chart your own path in media and criticism, and what we in the film industry can learn from the film critic. Rachel shares the early words of encouragement that nudged her toward writing and analyzing pop culture, and how learning to think critically shaped her voice as a journalist. Rachel brings up the challenges

en

01:11:49

HOW TO: Make Your Next Short Your Calling Card (w/...

The 50/50 Podcast ·

2025/07/01

In film, a "calling card" refers to a project, often a short film, designed to showcase a filmmaker's talent, style, and vision to potential collaborators and industry professionals (Wyatt didn't know this so we figured he'd learn it if he read the episode description). Well, this week, 50/50 Alum Maria Quesada gives us the ultimate download on HER Calling Card, HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, which she wrote, directed, produced, and STARRED in! She takes us

en

01:11:49

HOW TO: Make Your Next Short Your Calling Card (w/...

The 50/50 Podcast ·

2025/07/01

In film, a "calling card" refers to a project, often a short film, designed to showcase a filmmaker's talent, style, and vision to potential collaborators and industry professionals (Wyatt didn't know this so we figured he'd learn it if he read the episode description). Well, this week, 50/50 Alum Maria Quesada gives us the ultimate download on HER Calling Card, HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, which she wrote, directed, produced, and STARRED in! She takes us

en

01:08:15

HOW TO: Create and Sell Your Own Animated Pilot (w/...

The 50/50 Podcast ·

2025/06/25

This week, we're diving headfirst into the wild world of animation with creators Torey Strahl and Elena Ridker. From knowing when it’s time to stop waiting for permission and start making your own work, to surviving the endless loop that is the Network Pitching Process, Torey and Elena share real talk on balancing creative ambition with commercial realities. We also get into the tricky business of separating your art from your income — and why that might

en

01:08:15

HOW TO: Create and Sell Your Own Animated Pilot (w/...

The 50/50 Podcast ·

2025/06/25

This week, we're diving headfirst into the wild world of animation with creators Torey Strahl and Elena Ridker. From knowing when it’s time to stop waiting for permission and start making your own work, to surviving the endless loop that is the Network Pitching Process, Torey and Elena share real talk on balancing creative ambition with commercial realities. We also get into the tricky business of separating your art from your income — and why that might

en

01:05:41

How To: Find Confidence as a Filmmaker (w/ Michael...

The 50/50 Podcast ·

2025/06/18

This week, we sit down with writer/actor/musician Michael Doshier, who gives us a glimpse into the glamour of his thorough artistic process. We touch on topics such as finding confidence on set, surrounding yourself with collaborators who share passion as a driving force, and how to successfully find your niche in the festival circuit, ending up with a reliable distributor. We loved having Michael at the last 50/50 festival, and we’re so glad that he’s

en

01:05:41

How To: Find Confidence as a Filmmaker (w/ Michael...

The 50/50 Podcast ·

2025/06/18

This week, we sit down with writer/actor/musician Michael Doshier, who gives us a glimpse into the glamour of his thorough artistic process. We touch on topics such as finding confidence on set, surrounding yourself with collaborators who share passion as a driving force, and how to successfully find your niche in the festival circuit, ending up with a reliable distributor. We loved having Michael at the last 50/50 festival, and we’re so glad that he’s

en

01:24:40

HOW TO: Theatre (w/ Joaquin Madrid Larranaga)

The 50/50 Podcast ·

2025/06/11

All the World’s a Stage on this week’s episode of the 50/50 Podcast. Joaquin Madrid Larranaga not only introduces us to the complex world of finding work in the Theatre, but also (like the true multihyphenate he is) applies his stage managerial knowledge to the world of Film. And there is a LOT to learn. We touch on non traditional paths in the arts, technical skills vs. people skills, and what it really takes to create a thriving on set environment

en

01:24:40

HOW TO: Foster Community on Set (w/ Joaquin Madrid...

The 50/50 Podcast ·

2025/06/11

All the World’s a Stage on this week’s episode of the 50/50 Podcast. Joaquin Madrid Larranaga not only introduces us to the complex world of finding work in the Theatre, but also (like the true multihyphenate he is) applies his stage managerial knowledge to the world of Film. And there is a LOT to learn. We touch on non traditional paths in the arts, technical skills vs. people skills, and what it really takes to create a thriving on set environment

en

01:12:14

HOW TO: Carve Your Corner in Stand-up Comedy (w/...

The 50/50 Podcast ·

2025/06/03

This week, we share a laugh with stand up comic Johnny Marx. We dive into the science behind crafting jokes, the differences in processing conceptual and personal material, and how Johnny manages to bridge the gap between his own voice and the styles of his comedic heroes. Johnny also stresses the importance of enjoying every stage of the comedic process; from writing to booking to hitting the stage. Want to learn how to escape the endless hamster wheel

en

01:12:14

HOW TO: Carve Your Corner in Stand-up Comedy (w/...

The 50/50 Podcast ·

2025/06/03

This week, we share a laugh with stand up comic Johnny Marx. We dive into the science behind crafting jokes, the differences in processing conceptual and personal material, and how Johnny manages to bridge the gap between his own voice and the styles of his comedic heroes. Johnny also stresses the importance of enjoying every stage of the comedic process; from writing to booking to hitting the stage. Want to learn how to escape the endless hamster wheel

en

50 results

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