#119 | Michael C. Martin's Journey from Real Life to Writing Brooklyn's Finest

#119 | Michael C. Martin's Journey from Real Life to Writing Brooklyn's Finest

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Michael C. Martin — screenwriter, storyteller, and the writer behind Brooklyn's Finest — to talk about the real-life journey that led him from East New York to Hollywood. Michael's path into screenwriting didn't begin with a perfect plan. After film school, a car accident, and a need to make money, he entered a screenwriting contest with one goal in mind: win $10,000. What came out of that moment was the script that would eventually become Brooklyn's Finest. But this conversation is about more than one film. Michael opens up about the craft of storytelling, what it feels like to see characters from your imagination brought to life by legendary actors, and the reality of working in film and television. From writing scripts to navigating writers' rooms, taking notes, managing ego, and understanding that talent alone is not always enough, Michael shares a raw and honest look at what it takes to build a creative career. The most powerful part of his story is the reminder that nothing is wasted. Your background, your struggles, your community, your conversations, and your lived experiences can all become part of the story you are meant to tell. This episode is for anyone with a dream, a passion, or an idea they have been keeping inside their head. Sometimes the first step is simply putting it into the world and allowing it to become real. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation ====================================================== 🔗 Michael C. Martin's Links: 🌐 https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2130654/ [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2130654/] 📸 / new_money_mike [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEM4ckloYnVnUWRwcGZleC1BX08tMENHNmtVQXxBQ3Jtc0traTNIc0E4a3hJX3BlLXpjY25rb0ZaQ3NqdW5BTng3Q0pOeFdBbnNDSFdsSzU5eDQzX3F3UEMwbGhXQlpEMkJ3eVI5UEphTHFhOVZJR1EzUnNxbW85REFxTFVrSmNFbl9HVFV0RGU0b2dNbXp6T0pwWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fnew_money_mike%2F&v=fsqouJ6eIl4] 💙 Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblBQSm80ZkhtbXNwR0hKeGZERldCTUxXclFxd3xBQ3Jtc0tsRFZhRThNOG5qM2F6RDFTZGxkMFRxbGhjVko5UGxwdWlrV3RCN1BUQ3dWTjJSV1NSQXZOcEs1XzNaQ3loWnJjeUFKYVJLeTdOUktSV3hIRHZ2N1BkODNkS0NsWU5sdDNrc0Nma092SklRZ3p5aVNyNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fhthf.org%2F&v=fsqouJ6eIl4] / hopethroughhousing [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbG9HelIyZEV4d3VZR0diZnRXWUJmd3NsaWtBQXxBQ3Jtc0trbmxEQzRZQ2Q3NnpKcUVjc3UyaDU5YThNS3lsWEVqaHZUWE80Z25sem96eXRkYk9wVGd1aDU3VW56Y2hCTUNsNGo4OVVTRGUzbGlTZGRUN0x5bUM4RUU2U2E2Vmd0NUppaXNxRVZWNjZoMElZRkFkaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fhopethroughhousing&v=fsqouJ6eIl4] 🏢 National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org [https://nationalcore.org] 📘 / nationalcore [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFNSUDBWSE01LXN1RWZRN0xjMEpuSzZhOTVWQXxBQ3Jtc0tsLTdsTndkTHJCcVBRTlVWd0lVeHU3emphbGtUZGtaWXlnRFFjX2NiVFRUejJQcEJMZWpHWU4xUFdFNmEtUVg4Umc2MXFOZlVoQ1pxRzlpeTBZbkFObmlncld4U3BEREVMZHRLY2dJd1ZpMXZOOWxnaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnationalcore&v=fsqouJ6eIl4] 🎙 FYI's Socials 📸 / fyi_podcast_ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2hjTjU0NzBFbEJwUzRac3dFNlg5bVVvc3Utd3xBQ3Jtc0trME5pQWduXzZ2OG9KczFkZTVUTFRTT2RlRE5oUkJ1clY1cWgzSVFCRE5OSTRyS2kyODRVeVpsNmx0NnFRYnlTdWJDX2NBUUstTUVrTzhmclJEU3VNZGwwMEN5dy1HUWpsc19EOHctTHRyMmRsbUQtUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Ffyi_podcast_%2F&v=fsqouJ6eIl4] 📘 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?.. [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?..]. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbU5JNG82dDRfbVhlQzJIZEIxUWQ1aDEyQ0ZJUXxBQ3Jtc0treUNnUFduaDNHdGdvc0VaSzhVSk5xUEZvSzhCRlBXeVpsWTZCbnF4YTUxalJGcW04Mm1ja016TEhSYWtSVTBLX0c5dEREYWp0ZHpNQTV5TV9GdTRQekVzTF9HRWZJWjV4RkdTdVQ1YVhIaFRqN2paZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fprofile.php%3Fid%3D1000&v=fsqouJ6eIl4] 🎧 New episodes every Friday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

#118 | Conversation with a Film Composer: Andrew Morris

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Andrew Morris — film composer, creative, and the technical studio engineer and lead editor behind the FYI Podcast at National CORE — to talk about following your instincts and how seemingly unrelated paths can ultimately lead you exactly where you're meant to be. From the outside, Andrew's journey might look random — moving between different creative outlets, exploring multiple interests, and building his skillset across both music and visual storytelling. But beneath it all is something much more intentional — a mindset rooted in curiosity. What started as a passion for creating has evolved into something deeper. Through exploring different paths without forcing a specific outcome, Andrew found himself naturally stepping into the world of film composing. The most powerful part isn't a single breakthrough moment… it's the understanding that every step matters. Every skill, every interest, and every decision contributes to something bigger — even when it doesn't make sense at the time. This conversation is a reminder that you don't need to have everything figured out. Sometimes the best thing you can do is stay open and trust that the path you're on is leading somewhere meaningful. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation 🔗 Andrew's Links: 🎧404 NOT FOUND Official Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtbL_WOeyag&list=RDPtbL_WOeyag&start_radio=1 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtbL_WOeyag&list=RDPtbL_WOeyag&start_radio=1] 🌐 https://www.youtube.com/@UCKZZGdOH5vogTsm8PgB4KyA [https://www.youtube.com/@UCKZZGdOH5vogTsm8PgB4KyA] 📸 https://www.instagram.com/andrewmorrismedia/ [https://www.instagram.com/andrewmorrismedia/] 🌐 https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Fb83pVbMCjIRv0lYEzNYr?si=gql-Lg_-ScmQKh70_fDi-g [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Fb83pVbMCjIRv0lYEzNYr?si=gql-Lg_-ScmQKh70_fDi-g] 💙 Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ [https://hthf.org/] 📘 https://www.facebook.com/hopethroughhousing [https://www.facebook.com/hopethroughhousing] 🏢 National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org [https://nationalcore.org] 📘 https://www.facebook.com/nationalcore [https://www.facebook.com/nationalcore] 🎙 FYI's Socials 📸 https://www.instagram.com/fyi_podcast [https://www.instagram.com/fyi_podcast] 📘 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1000 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1000] 🎧 New episodes every Friday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

#117 | Why You Can't Wait to Chase the Life you Want: Real Estate Advisor Mike Ramirez

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Mike — real estate advisor and entrepreneur — to talk about life, loss, and why you can't wait to chase the life you truly want. On paper, Mike's journey is one of success — building a career, creating opportunities, and helping others find their place in the world. But behind that path is a much deeper story shaped by family struggles, personal loss, and moments that forced him to see life differently. Through experiences like divorce, losing his brother, and watching his mother's health decline, Mike was faced with the reality that life can change in an instant. Those moments didn't break him — they gave him clarity. Clarity on what actually matters, who matters, and why waiting to go after your purpose is a risk none of us can afford. This conversation goes beyond career. It's about believing in yourself, asking for help when you need it, checking in on the people around you, and having the courage to pursue a life that feels true to you. Because at the end of the day, the biggest regret isn't failure… it's waiting too long to try. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation ====================================================== 🔗 Mike's Links: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/sellwithmikeramirez/ [https://www.instagram.com/sellwithmikeramirez/] 🌐 https://mike247realtor.com/ [https://mike247realtor.com/] 💙 Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ [https://hthf.org/] 📘 https://www.facebook.com/hopethroughhousing [https://www.facebook.com/hopethroughhousing] 🏢 National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org [https://nationalcore.org] 📘 https://www.facebook.com/nationalcore [https://www.facebook.com/nationalcore] 🎙 FYI's Socials 📸 https://www.instagram.com/fyi_podcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/fyi_podcast/] 📘 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090492857123 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090492857123] 🎧 New episodes every Friday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 keep those notifications on so you never miss out on the inspiration

#116 | More Than a Theme Park Streamer… This Means Everything to Him

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Danny — theme park streamer and content creator — to talk about community, connection, and how something as simple as going live can turn into something much bigger than he ever imagined. From the outside, Danny's content looks like fun, rides, and entertainment. But behind the streams is something deeper — a growing community of people who rely on him not just for content, but for connection, joy, and a sense of belonging. What started as a passion for sharing his experiences at theme parks has evolved into something meaningful. Through his consistency and genuine care for his audience, Danny has built a space where people — including those who may not be able to experience the parks themselves — can still feel part of the magic. The most powerful part isn't the views or the numbers… it's the real moments. The interactions, the smiles, and the impact he's able to make simply by showing up and being present for others. This conversation is a reminder that purpose doesn't always start big — sometimes it grows from doing what you love and realizing it means something to someone else. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation 🔗 Danny's Links: 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/themeparkca... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWlSVVhWR0ZIWjJ6N1AwSnNPb2xMWnRhdllJUXxBQ3Jtc0tudVV2Sms4UDRSQ0VmcmxyTDlRWktxZ3FPWjdfWER0bFlOY201LTJtcjM3b1JBS1l2VE1acFVVT1o2LWxjTzJ6VVBjWGxfTTVyTGNIZmMwcGFrUVpkV1djSTh5YWtFc1ZyRHlydmV4WU10c1lMR0Q5dw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fthemeparkcasual%2F&v=gvd0UU7U5t0]] 🎥 YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@UCOnbaNPaaGq... [https://www.youtube.com/@UCOnbaNPaaGqbrhpMRCeR9cg] ] Twitter/X: https://x.com/themeparkcasual?s=11&t=.. [https://x.com/themeparkcasual?s=11&t=..]. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUVVeFZlYlBuTmdyaHhlYUE2a3VDSlk5c3FLZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuSTZDUkxUTGNmcW5LVmFRMG44UzZOUVhoNzd5ODQyVGFDUnpYQmVySDU0VDhEZ1RuX2tRUW1oN2JjV080THI3QWo2MmVBaWd6anhmYjRNc092YU5WS2VDeHJWUGRTcVFrMzBfZzg0bFVyZWtYVGtyYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fthemeparkcasual%3Fs%3D11%26t%3D2jyxFYVr7sC4c--_vtzHZg&v=gvd0UU7U5t0] Merch: https://shop.themeparkcasual.com [https://shop.themeparkcasual.com] 💙 Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ [https://hthf.org/] 📘 https://www.facebook.com/hopethroughh... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbl82T2xMUjBNTV9Hc1dzRGNTYkNuTUdGaEpFUXxBQ3Jtc0ttYm4ybXNMd0cwdlFjLVo2dkRBa1JIZTJIamJhb1JRZ3VWa2l1MmFpWWJRdXJSekVvOHFJMkFZZnVuWnZYU2ZiUUxENEc3ckVkYjVXZkd5bU5sX003YmlfV0RYYlF0ZnZsNEhEbjEwWnc1Y0tUZkRpYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fhopethroughhousing&v=gvd0UU7U5t0] 🏢 National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org [https://nationalcore.org] 📘 https://www.facebook.com/nationalcore [https://www.facebook.com/nationalcore] 🎙 FYI's Socials 📸 https://www.instagram.com/fyi_podcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/fyi_podcast/] 📘 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?.. [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?..]. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWFiNzVWaWlmb0Vabm9DWE9YeDA3dkxWNWtHd3xBQ3Jtc0ttQmZwVGtXSXozYy1kX29hOGFfa2xTTXh2SXRaN0d0NXFSV250SEVNaVhPOU9UUGw2dmRLTHp3U3h4X3M3bXlEVlJLVV9JQzVwU09xb1A5UWQ0TWJMeDZCdGd6Y1ZGMWM4SHIzQUpYdzI2RERlSWQxUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fprofile.php%3Fid%3D1000XXXXXXX&v=gvd0UU7U5t0] 🎧 New episodes every Monday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

#115 | World Panna Champion Jack Downer's Daily Habit Changed Everything

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Jack Downer — World Panna Champion, professional footballer, and creator — to talk about resilience, recovery, and what it really takes to rebuild your life after everything changes. From the outside, Jack's journey looks like elite skill, creativity, and success. But behind it is a story of trauma, a near-death experience, and a long road through hospitals, uncertainty, and recovery that tested him mentally, physically, and emotionally. Long before that moment, Jack had already built his life around a simple principle: consistency. By committing to showing up every day — even if just for 20 minutes — he developed the discipline, identity, and mindset that would later become his foundation. When everything was taken from him, that foundation didn't disappear — it became the thing that carried him through. Step by step, rep by rep, Jack leaned on the same habits that built him to begin rebuilding himself again. This conversation is for anyone who's ever been knocked down, forced to start over, or felt like the version of themselves they once knew was slipping away — and needs a reminder that what you build today can carry you through tomorrow. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation 🔗 Jack's Links: 📸 Instagram: / streetpanna [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmZuZFNvMFZ2c3BLdkVHVzlrcjlycG9weG15Z3xBQ3Jtc0ttSXlBMXcyeDdiSWowYUFCcnJheVg5V0Qyck9fMkQxTGJPQU5OTUcxNXhqdzFLamY4ZmY1dnZiV2swbld2WG1yYVpud3EtUW9tNU9LcDNOSnhIN2FLcHZfcGZqVU85M3ZjVlp2V3RCTmFGQUhkdUdXZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fstreetpanna%2F&v=sWGAw4pL3CQ] 🎥 YouTube: / @streetpanna [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZAwf7HgsIQXyx6tNgK2dgQ/featured/featured] 💙 Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGhtQXJFVzMxUFo3TGFaaVFRZFZoNGlUaU95QXxBQ3Jtc0trbEZNN0swc0NYTUt1eHMyTVY5c3pVRnA3c2JxQVNpQmJZbWlicFlodDd1NG5VSHNOcnFPdks3NDhzVGVTVGZsMlptLUJCM29UWEpBSFdrZ216cHQzWWM4bEhMMG1pU19GNXQ1amhuMkZ6ZjE2bGw5cw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fhthf.org%2F&v=sWGAw4pL3CQ] 📘 / hopethroughhousing [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGFObUJwdjhoYndYV3ZCU3NhelhGS3RRblhjd3xBQ3Jtc0trOXo0Q0FxSmZTUnV3dm16NGNuWFQxQXFQSS15cnB3YUN6MG5sbW9BUzRydkgyWXhTRzJSa3I2QVdtUkZsdFpqb0tzSjFzdy16cmhGaURhRG9QODlodFJMVGNhQ3J3eERJQUprbVZ2alY4VGlvWE9QMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fhopethroughhousing&v=sWGAw4pL3CQ] 🏢 National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org [https://nationalcore.org] 📘 / nationalcore [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXVKenAxdEd3R2VNM3dnM1hkRFdSc04zbGRDUXxBQ3Jtc0tuZXkwYjFJUmlDdmZHYTVISkJnQUw3SlFsZUJyM1ZEZkJNZlRXVThsSVBVUU5pNURSd2l0eU5YM3pWUjlySnp5cFBmSk5kZHBRWUlrdERlbnZXbnZMbjFkbUhXSGRnY0tIOERYZnpJN2hSTjlhQUJwUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnationalcore&v=sWGAw4pL3CQ] 🎙 FYI's Socials 📸 / fyi_podcast [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWUwT2ZucXBXeXZIZmNqdEpkM2xPYml1MlhoZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsWkFiVXhGU29lX2VYQ3JhRjhIbVFHampWc08zdTVDR0hrRk5PQ0V4RmpFUzBULU1YZEM2ZnI2aWFRMjNLNmN6OFJuLVprNGRsbDdYYWVqOC1qalZoRnd0SzgzVVFISEtmWC15b3FOeEZxend2c3BRcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Ffyi_podcast&v=sWGAw4pL3CQ] 📘 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?.. [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?..]. [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbDR4TG5XMjZEd1lGUEhhMHBNMjBGLW15YkpvUXxBQ3Jtc0tsdUtlTTJNM2RMVVhNQkFvLXg4ejNZRDlodVFzUGlCOXhSRUdVTndTaWwzMnQxMzJFb1ZjY25xR0J1UkY4T2pCeEF1ODdZRmJTcTlHLUJ0QmQ0X2FHcHIzVEZyNVJyS21vMW1fMlc1VTNmQXphRnFWMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fprofile.php%3Fid%3D100089027870207&v=sWGAw4pL3CQ] 🎧 New episodes every Monday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story