Balancing Acts Podcast

Lathan Hodge on Hollywood, BET, Script Sales & the Future of Storytelling | Balancing Acts Podcast Ep. 10

In Episode 10 of Balancing Acts, Roy Wanguhu sits down with executive producer Lathan Hodge for a deep conversation about storytelling, Hollywood, media evolution, and surviving decades in the entertainment industry. From working in Chicago newsrooms and producing at BET to selling scripts, launching syndicated television, and navigating the future of AI and digital storytelling, Lathan shares invaluable lessons from over 35 years in film, television, and media. This episode explores: • Building a career in Hollywood • Selling scripts and producing television • The realities of distribution and syndication • Working with Chuck D, BET, and major networks • AI’s impact on creators and filmmakers • Why storytelling and cultural preservation matter • Mentorship, creativity, and longevity in media If you're a filmmaker, producer, storyteller, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is packed with wisdom, history, and practical insight from someone who has truly lived the journey. 🎧 Watch & Listen: https://taplink.cc/balancingactsofficial [https://taplink.cc/balancingactsofficial] Follow Balancing Acts for more conversations with filmmakers, creatives, and industry leaders shaping the future of storytelling.

Earned Not Given | Kesten’s Journey in Filmmaking, Storytelling & Creative Longevity | Balancing Acts EP 9

Earned Not Given. In Episode 9 of Balancing Acts, Roy Wanguhu sits down with filmmaker Keston to talk about building a filmmaking career from the ground up — through trial, collaboration, and years of earned experience. From learning storytelling at Pixar University, navigating the early days of YouTube-era content, and landing long-term clients, to evolving his creative philosophy and redefining how filmmakers get paid for their value — this episode is a candid look at what it really takes to last in the industry. Keston also shares insights on gear, lenses, documentary vs narrative work, and how he’s balanced family life alongside a demanding creative career. This is a conversation about craft, growth, and the long game. 🎙️ Episode Highlights: * Early mentorship and creative collaboration * Story-first filmmaking principles * Client retention and creative boundaries * Gear insights from real-world use * Balancing family and filmmaking 🎧 Listen now on Balancing Acts.

Passion Still Wins: Jason Joseffer on Life as a Cinematographer

Cinematographer Jason Joseffer joins host Roy Wanguhu to reflect on nearly two decades as a DP in San Francisco. From high school cable access TV and film studies at UC Santa Cruz to news cameraman work and a traditional AC path, Jason shares how closely studying DPs shaped his eye and career. He dives into his camera journey from the Panasonic HVX200 and Canon 7D to the RED SCARLET family and how building DIY gear early on deepened his respect for the tools. Jason talks artistic intent over paychecks, director-led vision, and the realities of documentary filmmaking, fatherhood, and freelance life. The conversation also touches on shooting abroad, the uncertain future of the industry, thoughts on AI vs real-world capture, and why passion projects still matter most.

Creating Under Pressure with Alexis Cuarezma | Balancing Acts Podcast

Photographer and director Alexis Cuaresma joins the show to break down why photography is 90–95% about people, not gear. He shares how he overcame shyness, learned to champion his own work, and built confidence by tackling technical weaknesses head-on. A pivotal moment photographing Floyd Mayweather erased his stage fright and prepared him for fast, high-pressure shoots with A-list talent for clients like HBO.   Alexis reveals the two sides of his creative life: the artistic mode behind his 8–12 hour ballet dancer shoots, and the get-it-done mode required for commercial work where meeting client expectations is key to consistent success. He explains how following exact client instructions led to one of his most profitable niches, and why listening often matters more than adding creativity. He also discusses why ballet dancers became his ideal subjects, his rigorous pre-shoot interview process, and the importance of personal projects to keep his creativity sharp. After a period of burnout, Alexis rebuilt his health and discipline, emphasizing that presentation and self-care are essential in this industry. The episode wraps with his love for storytelling through video and his affinity for the Fuji GFX system paired with vintage lenses.   A thoughtful, inspiring conversation for photographers, filmmakers, and creatives looking to grow both personally and professionally.

Truth Through Film: Kevin Kunze on AI, Documentary Impact & The Future of Storytelling | Episode 6

In Episode 6 of Balancing Acts, host Roy Wanguhu sits down with filmmaker, documentarian, and AI innovator Kevin Kunze to explore how truth, technology, and storytelling collide. From filming on his dad’s S-VHS camera at age 6 to creating global-impact documentaries like Mobilize, Kevin shares how filmmaking can challenge industries, spark legislation, and shift public awareness. His work spans cell-phone radiation research, VR innovation, AI-driven filmmaking, and the evolving creator landscape. This episode uncovers: • Why truth-driven storytelling matters more now than ever • How AI can enhance creativity without replacing the artist • The global battle over phone radiation safety and public policy • The rise, fall, and return of VR filmmaking • How creators can stay human in an AI-powered world • Balancing massive ideas, filmmaking, and personal well-being   🔗 All platforms & links: https://taplink.cc/balancingactsofficial [https://taplink.cc/balancingactsofficial] #BalancingActs #TruthThroughFilm #KevinKunze #BayAreaFilmmakers #OaklandCalifornia