Odyssey & Muse

Joanna Kalafatis is an actress living and working in Los Angeles as well as the travel blogger and photographer behind Lose the Map. When she’s not auditioning or acting she spends her time exploring other countries where she stays, eats and drinks with locals to really get to know the culture. “When your environment changes, it changes you.” In this episode, we dive into Joanna’s journey into the creative arts, how an accident with a kombi taxi changed the way she looked at her life, what she’s learned from traveling solo, and how to write a captivating travel blog. We also talk about her love of acting, how to stay out of trouble while traveling, tips for moving to LA, and so much more. I had so much fun chatting with Joanna, and I think you will get a ton out of this conversation. “Traveling for blogging is not the same as lying by a pool with a martini.” If you want to hear more shows like this, rate us on iTunes and let us know. 5 Key Takeaways - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1. Being alone in Japan is

Daniel E. Williams received his MFA in Film from Howard University in 1998 and in 2000 he won Best of Show at the Rosebud Film and Video Festival for his thesis film A Thousand Days a Year. He currently teaches film production at Bowling Green State University, while continuing to independently write, produce, and direct award-winning films. I even had the pleasure of working on his latest project, Autumn Blue, as the 1st AC. “Cinema is not just a product, it’s a form of cultural expression.” In this conversation, we dig into Daniel’s upbringing in St. Louis, his path through film school, and his process as an independent filmmaker. We get into Daniel’s thoughts on teaching filmmaking and what mistakes he sees beginning filmmakers make again and again. We talk about filmmaking as a craft, getting to know your equipment before you get on set, methods for improving your creativity and so much more. This episode is definitely worth the listen if you’re considering going to film school or becoming a filmmaker.

This is a special mini-episode of Odyssey and Muse where we check in with people that are about to embark on or are in the middle of an adventure around the world. In this episode I catch up with Russ McCoy of Man Bike World. Russ is in the midst of his Great Divide Mountain Bike Tour. I interviewed him back in July just before he shoved off. If you haven’t listened to that episode you can catch up here. “I saw this little baby grizzly bear cub running across the road.” Russ began his tour in Banff, Canada and has traveled through Montana, Idaho and is most of the way through Wyoming. In this conversation, we talk about his early encounter with grizzly bears, his misfortunes with bear spray, his new friends on the trail, how his gear and body are both holding up, and about all of the amazing sites seen and experiences had. “You can’t challenge the rumor. So we were prepared for having no water.” We’re planning to catch up with Russ when he reaches the end of his 2,745 mile journey, so make sure to check b

Ryan Bury is originally from Perrysburg, Ohio. Since graduating Bowling Green State University, he has lived and worked in Los Angeles. He’s been the post-production manager on TV shows like America’s Got Talent, The X Factor, The Secret Lives of Americans and more. He’s a co-founder of Burning Shade Productions, and together with Sean Cruser he has written and produced many short films and features. “Save up a little money and just do it.” In this episode we learn about how Ryan got into filmmaking, his passion for Classic films, his move to Los Angeles, and how he connected with Sean Cruser to form Burning Shade Productions. We dig into Ryan’s writing process, his work in TV, what he does as a producer and his year of reading a book a week. He even reveals his cocktail of choice. Hint: It tastes like a campfire. Some great stuff in this one and it’s always fun to catch up with Ryan. “What would Billy Wilder do?” If you want to hear more shows like this, rate us on iTunes and let us know. - - - - - 5 Ke

Gary Arndt has mastered the art of world travel. He sold his house in 2007 and has been on the road ever since. A short time into his journey he decided to take his blogging and photography seriously, and within 4 years he went from amateur to winning multiple awards. “Travel allows you to see connections between places.” Gary has been to all 7 continents and has visited over 175 countries and territories. He has one of the larger collections of National Geographic magazines in the world, he’s gone dog sledding in the Yukon, bungee jumped in New Zealand, landed on an aircraft carrier, ridden in a Formula 1 car, and scuba dived all around the world. The list of adventures and accomplishments go on. “The ability to adapt is much better than the ability to plan.” In this conversation we talk about the genesis of Gary’s travel bug, his decision to hit the road, how he taught himself the art of photography and blogging, the success of Everything Everywhere, some of the biggest mistakes beginner bloggers make,

Matthew Scott is an Australian cinematographer living in Tasmania. He is constantly exploring and pushing for the mastery of his craft. He also enjoys cooking, retro games, playing piano and going on adventures with his lover. “Share shit. Be a voice.” In this episode we dive deep. We talk about how Matt quit high school, got a job, and focused on his love of photography. How he later quit his job and decided to pursue a career as a cinematographer. We dig into his all or nothing attitude, his process for lighting a scene, working with crew members, improving his craft, his desire to share his work through his blog mattscottvisuals.com; including his successes and failures, and the pressures and pleasures of living his dream as a director of photography. “Set ridiculous challenges for yourself.” If you want to hear more shows like this, rate us on iTunes and let us know. - - - - - 5 Key Takeaways 1. A great formula for lighting a scene: Block, Light, Rehearse, Tweak, Shoot. 2. Play games with yourself

This is a special episode of Odyssey and Muse. This is going to be the first of possibly many little in-between-isodes where we check in with people that are about to embark on or are in the middle of an adventure around the world. In this episode I talk with Russ McCoy of Man Bike World. He was the second person I interviewed for this podcast, episode 2, and he is the first repeat guest. “It’s 2,745 miles from Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico.” Russ has been on two big Bicycle tours and he is about to leave on his third in a few days. But this time he’s changing it up. He will be riding down the Great Divide mountain bike trail and spending a lot of time off-road for the first time. In this conversation, we talk about the differences in mountain biking verses his previous street tours, we dig into his anxieties, which include bear attacks, his philosophy on wearing helmets, last minute bicycle setup changes, and how he plans to update his blog along the way. “When bears are around, never eat at

Bobby McCall is a singer, songwriter and musician from Las Vegas. He bought a guitar when he was 17 and has been focused on honing his skills and writing music ever since. After parting ways with the band The Ill Figures, he started the gritty rock trio The Dirty Hooks with bandmates Anthony Ratto III and Jenine Cali. They made the decision to write and record the music that they wanted to hear, and in 2012 they released their debut album Electric Grit to critical acclaim. In this conversation we dig into Bobby’s beginnings growing up in Las Vegas, his path to rock and roll, and his desire to leave a legacy with his work. We get into the formation of The Dirty Hooks, how to avoid the charlatans of the music industry, producing and releasing your own album, and some of Bobby’s philosophies on creating great music and balancing work, life and art. Remember to check out The Dirty Hooks on Soundcloud and Spotify, and if you really dig them, support your artists by purchasing their album. If you want to hear

Vic May is from, Anamosa, Iowa. He grew up in a creative family where he was encouraged to pursue his desire to act in theater. He graduated from Simpson College, then lived in Chicago, acting in the Red Tape Theater and other venues before moving with is wife Mackenzie to Los Angeles, where they currently reside. Some of his recent work includes acting in a Geico / Vikings commercial, modeling for the Centura Health Pioneer Campaign, acting in the movie Trafficked with Ashley Judd, and producing and staring in the short film Adrift. In this conversation we dig into the details of moving to LA and some of the mistakes Vic sees his fellow actors make. We talk about Vics methods for preparing for a part, how to get an agent with a beard, why having a script locked before a production begins is important, how to make progress and stay sane while constantly being rejected, what it’s like to be on the set of a Geico commercial, nightmare acting stories, and much more. I also want to point out that I just saw o

Marquette Jones is from Youngstown, Ohio, not far from where I grew up. She’s an alumna of NYU’s graduate film program, but before becoming a filmmaker, Marquette was a public interest attorney in Oakland, California. Her work includes her most recent film, Forgiving Chris Brown, along with Round on Both Sides, Tunk, Heroes Wanted and Streets 2 Suites. She has also produce many other projects from short films, to commercials and PSAs for the Women in Film program. When she is not busy writing, producing, or directing, Marquette indulges her obsession with color through her ever-growing nail polish collection. In this conversation we get into everything. When it comes to filmmaking, we learn her thoughts on grad school – the good and the bad, her strategy for submitting to film festivals – they are detailed, how she writes, directs and staffs up for her films, and some writing advice she received from Spike Lee himself. We talk about her winding path from law degree to a creative career, her advocacy for w

Hannah Nicol is an academic advisor in international student affairs, teaches ESL classes at a university level, and spends all of her spare time traveling and dancing. “I can do anything for a year.” In this conversation we go into her early life growing up in Nigeria, the last 4 years she’s spent living in China and traveling Southeast Asia, how her liberal arts degree challenged her old worldview, her love of salsa dancing as a way to connect with others around the globe, and her desire to continue traveling the world and eating new and amazing foods. “If you’re 20 and healthy, travel the world.” If you want to hear more shows like this, rate us on iTunes and let us know. - - - - - 5 Key Takeaways 1. Salsa dancing is a great way to connect with others while traveling alone. There are festivals located all around the world. 2. Keep some kind of record of your experiences. Carry a small journal with you when you travel. Later in life you will be able to look back at all that you have done. 3. Going

In this episode I talk with my friend, Frank Fleming. He’s an adventurer and the owner-operator of lawn care service in Vancouver, Canada. But it’s more than that. Frank is interested in sustainable ecosystems, and converting lawns into gardens. We talk about that and more in this episode. If you want to hear more shows like this, rate us on iTunes and let us know.

In this episode I talk with my friend, Murphy Martin. He’s an actor on his way to stardom, living and working in Los Angeles. We have an amazing conversation about the craft of acting, Murphy’s twists and turns on his way to following his passion, and his recent work in the feature film Far Off. If you want to hear more shows like this, rate us on iTunes and let us know.

In this episode I talk with one of my friends, Angela Kerfoot. She’s a singer, songwriter, performance artist and social worker living in Las Vegas. She has a unique style and loves to collaborate with other artists and musicians. We dig into her journey as an artist and her passion for helping others. If you want to hear more shows like this, rate us on iTunes and let us know.

In this episode I talk with one of my best friends, Nick Army. He was an award winning TV producer/director/videographer at WBGU-PBS. He’s currently a Producer/Editor/Director of Photography at Hart: Advertising Agency. And he’s probably the smartest and hardest working person I know. If you want to hear more shows like this, rate us on iTunes and let us know.

In this episode I talk with my friend, Britt George. He is an actor, producer, writer and director living in Los Angeles. Some of the shows he’s acted on include Cryptid: The Swamp Beast, True Blood, Dexter and Boston Legal. We talk about becoming an actor, auditioning, working in LA and making indie features. If you want to hear more shows like this, rate us on iTunes and let us know.

In this episode I talk with Cameron Dorn. He is a champion endurance athlete, an adventure junkie, and the founder of The Suitcase of Courage. We talk about breaking Guinness World Records, travel, athletics, volunteering for good causes and living life with an unstoppable energy and passion. Prepare to get pumped up! If you want to hear more shows like this, rate us on iTunes and let us know.

In this episode I talk with my friend, Mislav Marohnić. He’s a software craftsman from Croatia. He programs, works for GitHub and enjoys traveling the world. We talk about working on the road, Burning Man, and the experience and effects of longterm travel. If you want to hear more shows like this, rate us on iTunes and let us know.

In this episode I talk with my friend, Amy Javens. She is a mother of three, a wife, a coach for QT2 Systems and a professional Ironman Triathlete. We talk about the sport, becoming a pro racer, avoiding injury, and the mental and spiritual fuel necessary for completing such long races. If you want to hear more shows like this, rate us on iTunes and let us know.

In this episode I talk with friend Liam Garrison. He is a student at the University of Oxford, England, a cyclist, a climber and an all around adventure junkie. We talk about the challenges and excitement of travel, the stigma of hitchhiking and trusting in the humanity of others. If you want to hear more shows like this, rate us and let us know.