The Smith Society Podcast — Conversations About Storytelling
When I started The Smith Society Podcast, the idea was simple: create a space where storytellers could talk honestly about their work, their journeys, and the unpredictable paths that lead to creating something meaningful.
So many of the best conversations in film happen off-camera; after screenings, between setups, on late-night drives home, or sitting around with collaborators trying to figure out how to make the next project happen. I realized those were the conversations people rarely get to hear. The podcast grew out of wanting to share that space.
At its core, The Smith Society is about storytelling and the people who dedicate their lives to it. Each episode brings together actors, writers, directors, producers, and creatives across film and television to talk about craft, career paths, creative struggles, breakthroughs, and the realities of working in an industry that constantly evolves. I try to keep the conversations grounded and personal. The goal isn’t promotion… it’s understanding the person behind the work. Because audiences don’t just love finished films or shows, they’re curious about how those stories came to be.
The Smith Society podcast on Spotify & Apple. Or, you can find us wherever you listen to podcasts.
Conversations That Capture the Spirit of the Show - Every guest brings a different perspective, but a few episodes really capture what the show aims to do.
Lee Sung Jin — Trusting Personal Stories
My conversation with Lee Sung Jin, creator of BEEF, explored how deeply personal experiences can shape globally resonant storytelling. We talked about risk, authenticity, and trusting instinct over formula.
There’s always pressure in the industry to follow trends. Lee’s work is a reminder that the stories that truly connect are often the most personal ones.
Amir El-Masry — Persistence and Identity
One of our earliest episodes with Amir El-Masry set the tone for the series. Amir spoke openly about navigating identity, career uncertainty, and the patience required to build a meaningful acting career.
What stood out was how universal creative struggle is. No matter the discipline, persistence and belief in your voice matter.
Justin Chon — Passion vs. Practicality
Justin Chon shared insights from making films like Blue Bayou, balancing passion projects with the realities of filmmaking as a business. His perspective resonated with anyone working independently, the constant negotiation between creative ambition and practical limitations.
It’s a conversation about making films that matter while still figuring out how to survive long enough to make the next one.
Gabriela Cowperthwaite — Documentary as Urgency
Talking with Gabriela Cowperthwaite expanded the conversation into documentary storytelling and filmmaking as investigation. Her work shows how film can operate not just as entertainment, but as social reflection and inquiry.
It reminded me how powerful storytelling becomes when it engages with real-world stakes.
Why Physical Media Still Matters
One episode that felt especially personal was my reflection on physical media; DVDs, Blu-rays, records — and why they still matter. Growing up collecting films and music, I’ve always believed stories should be preserved and revisited.
In an era where movies quietly disappear from streaming platforms, owning a story feels increasingly important. That conversation became less about nostalgia and more about memory, access, and preservation.
Why I Keep Making the Show
What keeps me excited about the podcast is the reminder that no two creative journeys look the same, yet we’re all chasing similar things… connection, meaning, and the hope that our work resonates with someone else.
Every conversation reinforces that storytelling is ultimately about people. About collaboration. About learning from one another. And honestly, I still feel like I learn something new every time we record.
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, my hope is to keep expanding the range of voices on the show — not just filmmakers, but artists and creators across disciplines who think deeply about storytelling and culture.
If you love movies, storytelling, or simply want to understand how creative work actually gets made, I hope you’ll check out the podcast.
Because stories don’t exist in isolation. They’re shaped by people, experiences, and conversations — and this podcast is my way of keeping those conversations going.
