5 Questions With Dan Schawbel

My guest today is TV host and author, Tamron Hall. Tamron is the Emmy Award-winning television host and executive producer of syndicated talk show Tamron Hall. We talk about her new book “Watch Where They Hide”, her interview style, and more during this episode. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: What inspired you to pursue a career in media, and how did you navigate your journey to becoming a prominent television host? Your interviewing style is often praised for its authenticity. How do you prepare for interviews, and how do you establish a connection with your guests? How did you come up with the idea for your crime fiction series and what do you think will appeal most with Watch Where They Hide? What is the main message you’re trying to convey about our criminal justice system through all forms of media? What’s your best piece of career advice? Video interview: Follow Tamron’s journey: Book Twitter Instagram YouTube Facebook

My guest today is MSNBC host, Joy-Ann Reid. Joy is the host of MSNBC’s The ReidOut and author of the new book “Medgar and Myrlie”. We talk about the book, and her career, during this episode. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: What were some key moments and experiences that have shaped your career in journalism and broadcasting? What role do you believe journalism plays in advancing conversations around social justice, and how can media contribute to positive change? What inspired you to write a book about Medgar and Myrlie Evers and why did you decide to publish it in an election year? What did you learn about the civil rights movement from your interviews with Myrlie and her family that surprised you or furthered your understanding of that time period? What’s your best piece of career advice? Video interview: Follow Joy’s journey: Book Twitter Instagram Facebook

My guest today is former UFC champion and Olympic wrestler, Dan Henderson. Dan was a two-time American Olympian in Greco-Roman wrestling who went on to become one of the fiercest knockout artists in mixed martial arts history. We talk about his new memoir “Hendo: The American Athlete” during this episode. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: How did your upbringing shape who you are as both a fighter and human? What inspired you to become a wrestler and why do you think you’ve been able to have such a long career doing it? How was competing in the U.S. Olympics different than that of the UFC? Which UFC fight are you the proudest of and why? What is your best piece of career advice? Video interview: Follow Dan’s journey: Book Twitter Instagram

My guest today is bestselling children’s fiction author, Kate DiCamillo. Kate is a former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and a two-time Newbery Medalist. We talk about her literary career, and new book “The Puppets of Spelhorst” during this episode. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: Why did growing up with chronic pneumonia draw you to read books? How did receiving 473 rejection letters motivate you? How have you been able to observe the world through the eyes of children as an adult? What can children take away from reading your new book “The Puppets of Spelhorst”? What’s your best piece of career advice? Video interview: Follow Kate’s journey: Book Website Facebook

My guest today is PAW Patrol and Bob the Builder mastermind, Keith Chapman. Keith just celebrated the 10th anniversary of Paw Patrol with a second feature film called “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” which was produced by Spin Master Entertainment. We talk about his early career with the Jim Henson company, the business of intellectual property, and more during this episode. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: 1. How did your experience designing characters at Jim Henson and working at an ad agency form the foundation for your career? What did you learn about the business of intellectual property during your time working on the Bob the Builder property? What do you think has led to PAW Patrol becoming a billion-dollar empire with shows, movies, toys, and books? Why was the merchandizing of PAW Patrol a higher priority over the content and how is that different than when you worked at Henson? What’s your best piece of career advice? Video interview:

My guests today are film directors, producers and screenwriters David and Jerry Zucker. David and Jerry have collaborating on several movies, including The Naked Gun and Airplane! We talk about their careers, and new book “Surely You Can’t Be Serious” during this episode. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: How were you both able to create your theater growing up and how did it lead to your first film? What makes you collaborate effectively on movie projects together and how do you draw the line between being brothers and collaborators? What were the biggest obstacles when you were developing your hit movie Airplane! and how did you overcome them? Why do you think Airplane! can appeal to new generations after four decades? What’s your best piece of career advice? Video interview: Follow Jeff’s journey: Book

My guest today is playwright and filmmaker, David Mamet. David won a Pulitzer Prize and received Tony nominations for his plays Glengarry Glen Ross and Speed-the-Plow. He wrote the screenplays for such films as The Verdict, The Untouchables, Ronin, and Wag the Dog. We talk about his early influences, and career challenges, during this episode. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: 1. Can you share some of the early influences that shaped your interest in writing and drama? What motivated your transition from studying acting to becoming a playwright and how did this shift impact your creative process? How was being fired from dozens of movies a blessing in disguise and what did you learn from the experiences? What are the biggest challenges of making a film and how did you overcome them? What’s your best piece of career advice? Video interview:

My guest today is philanthropist, Melanie Lundquist. Melanie is one of California’s most significant philanthropists and is a Giving Pledge signatory. Melanie and her husband Richard have pledged more than $400 million over the last decade to support various causes. We talk about how she became a philanthropist and more during this episode. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: What originally inspired you to become a philanthropist and why do you continue to be one? Over the past few years, you donated to both the News Literacy Project and McPherson College, as well as joined the board of AltaSea. What goes into your decision about what industries, institutions, and causes you invest in and your involvement?  What are some of your insights on the state of philanthropy today and how do economic factors like inflation impact charitable giving as a whole? You’ve made a pledge of $400 million with your husband to support various causes. How do you work in partnership with Richard to turn the pledge into actionable results?  What is your best piece of career advice? Video interview:

My guest today is TV producer and director, Jeff Margolis. Jeff has directed TV specials including Michael Jackson: One Night Only, Sinatra 75: The Best Is Yet to Come, and even the Academy Awards. We talk about the art of producing hit TV shows, and his new memoir “We’re Live in 5”, during this episode. This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: What did you learn from your uncle as you started your career in showbusiness? What was the process of working with major acts to develop their shows, like Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and Frank Sinatra? What would you say are the key elements of a show that are linked to high viewership? How have you watched TV evolve with the advent of streaming and social media? What’s your best piece of career advice? Video interview: Follow Jeff’s journey: Book

My guest today is entrepreneur, YouTube star, and actress, Rebecca Zamolo. Rebecca has over 47 million combined followers across platforms and over 9 billion views on YouTube. She is most well-known for her family-friendly content which includes videos ranging from family challenges, DIYs, 24-hour challenges, and gymnastics. We talk about her entrepreneurial journey during this episode. This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: What originally inspired your creative pursuit? Why did you choose to focus on publishing DIY, dancing, and gymnastic videos on social media and how did you turn it into a business? How have you been able to balance the needs of your business with those of your family? What lessons have you learned over your career that have helped you stay relevant and grow your audience? What is your best piece of career advice? Video interview: Follow Rebecca’s journey: Website YouTube Tik Tok Facebook Instagram Twitter

My guest today is actor, TV host, and author Kirk Cameron. Kirk is best known for his role as Mike Seaver on the ABC sitcom Growing Paints. We talk about his new children’s book “Pride Comes Before the Fall, as well as his family and career during this episode. This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: What was it like going to school on the set of Growing Pains instead of in a traditional school setting? How have you prioritized your family throughout your career? At what point in your career did you learn about the importance of humility and how did it change your behavior? What do you want children, and their parents to take away from your book, Pride Comes Before the Fall? What’s your best piece of career advice? Video interview: Follow Kirk’s journey: Book Instagram Facebook Twitter

My guest today is United Talent Agency co-founder and CEO, Jeremy Zimmer. Jeremy helped build UTA from a boutique literary agency into one of the three major talent agencies, that represents celebrities like Chris Pratt, Timothée Chalamet, Kevin Hart, and Bad Bunny. We talk about his motivation for joining at a talent agency at age 19, developing talent, and more during this episode. This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: What motivated you to leave college at age 19 and join a talent agency? What are the biggest challenges and opportunities across the entertainment landscape and what role does talent play in how the industry evolves? What is your process for developing artists as “multi-hyphenated” brands and can you share some examples? You’ve been signing a series of NFT projects like Proof. What role do you think NFTs, the blockchain, and digital talent will have in the future of entertainment? What is your best piece of career advice? Video interview: Follow Jeremy’s journey: Company LinkedIn

My guest today is bestselling author and journalist, Doug Preston. Doug has written for The New Yorker and Harper’s and has written books including Lost City of the Monkey God and Cities of Gold, along with a series of books with Lincoln Child. We talk about his career, and his latest book “The Lost Tomb” during this episode. This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: What did you learn from your time spent at the American Museum of Natural History that set you up for the rest of your career? How is collaborating with Lincoln Child different for you from your solo projects? What’s your process of learning about and gaining access to historical places, and then unraveling the experiences in book form? What do you think will surprise and delight people the most when they read The Lost Tomb? What is your best piece of career advice? Video interview: Follow Doug’s journey: Book Instagram Facebook

My guest today is country singer and songwriter, Chase Rice. Chase has released six studio albums, and his third album, Ignite the Night, debuted atop the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. We talk about his latest album, I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell, as well as his work ethic and career transitions during this episode. This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: Where do both your work ethic and ability to adapt come from? What did you learn as you transitioned from NASCAR to a reality show and finally a country music star? Why do you consider your new album “I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell” a career-defining moment for you and what were some of the challenges you had producing it? You dedicated this album to your dad. What role did he have in shaping the man you’ve become and what would he say now if he was still alive? What is your best piece of career advice? Video interview: Follow Chase’s journey: Website Instagram Twitter YouTube Facebook Tik Tok

My guest today is video game programmer and director, Ed Boon. Ed is the co-creator of Mortal Kombat and Injustice, and the Creative Director at NetherRealm Studios. We talk about the creation of Mortal Kombat, and his video game career, during this episode. This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: How did your time spent working on pinball games inspire the creation of Mortal Kombat? How has your role working on Mortal Kombat evolved since the first game in 1992? Why was it decided to make the new Mortal Kombat 1 game a franchise reboot and what makes this title unique compared to the predecessors? How do you think new technologies like AR, VR, and AI will change the video game experience? What’s your best piece of career advice? Video interview: Follow Ed’s journey: Instagram Twitter

My guest today is country music singer and actress, Jana Kramer. Jana starred in TV shows including One Tree Hill, Friday Night Lights, and Dancing With the Stars, and has released two albums. We talk about her new book “The Next Chapter”, and how she’s overcome struggles, during this episode. This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: What led you to a career in both acting and singing? How were you able to come to terms with your divorce and what were some of the biggest struggles you had trying to move on with your life? Why did you decide to write “The Next Chapter” now and how has it helped you transition to this next phase? What did you learn in your prior relationships that has prepared you for the one you’re currently in and what did you look for in him that you overlooked in previous ones? What is your best piece of career advice? Video interview: Follow Jana’s journey: Book Podcast YouTube Facebook Twitter

My guest today is comic book artist and co-creator of Bane, Graham Nolan. Graham is the publisher of Compass Comics, which recently published his comic book “The Ghosts of Matecumbe Key”. We talk about how he became a comic book artist, created Bane, collaborated with Chuck Dixon, and more during this episode. This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: What originally inspired you to become a comic book artist? How did you originally come up with Bane and what was your reaction when you saw the character in The Dark Knight Rises? Why do you think your collaborations with Chuck Dixon are so successful and how do you support each other? What types of stories have you been telling at Compass Comics that you couldn’t have told at the big publishers and why? What’s your best piece of career advice? Video interview: Follow Graham’s journey: Website Instagram Facebook Twitter

My guest today is actor and filmmaker, Bruce Campbell. Bruce is known for portraying Ash Williams in Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead franchise. We talk about his new comic book, “Sgt. Rock Vs. the Army of the Dead”, career influences, and more during this episode. This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: What influence did your dad have on your acting career? Why do you think your collaboration with Sam Raimi on the Evil Dead franchise has had such longevity and success? How did you come up with the idea for Sgt. Rock Vs. the Army of the Dead comic book? Why do you think your portrayal of Ash Williams in this book, and in other media, has been able to stay relevant and develop a cult following? What’s your best piece of career advice? Video interview: Follow Bruce’s journey: Website Book Instagram Twitter Facebook

My guests today are writers and producers, Keegan-Michael Key and Elle Key. Keegan-Michael is a Peabody Award-winning actor most known for his award-winning show Key & Peele. Elle is an award-winning film, television, and commercial director, writer, and producer. We talk about their process for collaborating on their new book “The History of Sketch Comedy” in this episode. This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: How have you both been able to collaborate on work projects together? What were some pivotal moments over the history of sketch comedy that had the most effect on the art form? What did you learn from some of the conversations you had with influential performers that surprised you about the history of sketch comedy? How do you see sketch comedy evolving in the future? What is your best piece of career advice? Video interview: Follow their journey: Book Keegan-Michael’s Instagram Keegan Michael’s Twitter Elle’s Instagram Elle’s Twitter

My guest today is actor and author, Ben McKenzie. Ben is best known for his starring TV roles on The O.C. and Gotham. More recently, he wrote “Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud”. We talk about his career progression, and new book, during this episode. This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information. The 5 questions I ask in this episode: What was it like growing up with two young brothers who were also actors? How were you able to handle the change from crashing on the floor of your friend’s apartment to being an overnight success with the O.C.? Why did you decide to shift your focus from acting to being an author and critic of cryptocurrency? What should people take away from your book, especially in today’s economy? What is your best piece of career advice? Video interview: Follow Ben’s journey: Book Instagram Twitter