Claim OwnershipThe 50/50 Podcast
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Description
50% Business, 50% Creative.
Hosted by 50/50 founder Luke Steinfeld (Filmmaker), and 50/50 Head of Talent Wyatt Sarkisian (Maximum Effort), the podcast builds on the mission of the platform: to nurture and empower the next generation of industry talent.
Join us every tuesday as we sit down with voices from all corners of the entertainment industry, offering educational insight into process, production, and execution.
Hosted by 50/50 founder Luke Steinfeld (Filmmaker), and 50/50 Head of Talent Wyatt Sarkisian (Maximum Effort), the podcast builds on the mission of the platform: to nurture and empower the next generation of industry talent.
Join us every tuesday as we sit down with voices from all corners of the entertainment industry, offering educational insight into process, production, and execution.
22 Episodes
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This week, Luke and Wyatt banter with the brilliant Britt Berke! Britt's knowledge accrued as a theatre director applies not only to the stage, but universally. We discuss topics such as how to communicate with actors using precise, supportive language (ie getting actors out of their own heads!!), how to discover the "note behind the note," and how to establish a unique point of view on a script, even when said script is more than 100 years old.
We also dive into diagnosing problems with theater games, navigating the financial realities of being a working director, and what it takes to build stability in the arts. Plus: Britt reflects on her relationship with New York’s evolving theater scene and shares exclusive hot takes on A24’s purchase of the Cherry Lane Theatre in the West Village. Enjoy, all!
BRITT'S WORKS
THE WILD DUCK!
Prep your kits! Because this week, we chat with Nadia Reese Stone, who provides us with a unique glimpse into on-set life through the boldy-winged eye of a makeup artist.
Through Nadia, we learn that makeup artists are some of the most essential, yet overlooked and undervalued people in the industry. And Nadia proves just why we need them; she walks us through visual touchstones such as prosthetics, creature design, and elevated beauty looks. Nadia spills the tea on what kinds of directors she works best with (the answer might surprise you), how to deepen relationships with actors, and the delicate balance between artistry and safety on set.
Whether you're an aspiring makeup artist or justifyably want to learn more about different roles on set, Nadia provides specific, yet universal advice: how to stand up for yourself on set, how to always remain prepared even with little notice before your gig, how to transform the way we think about beauty standards in media.
We welcome Nadia to the 50/50 Family with open arms, and we look forward to her turning Wyatt into the creature from The Substance.
NADIA'S WEBSITE
NADIA'S ART INSTA
EUPHORIA MAKEUP BOOK (A24)
This week, the guys sit down with writer-director-professor Aviv Rubinstien to talk about turning constraints into creative opportunities. Aviv shares how starting in horror taught him the value of budget limitations, why teaching sharpens his writing and widens his network, and how he’s built career longevity as a storyteller.
We also dig into the lessons behind his meta road-trip movie, what to do—and what not to do—when making a loosely scripted film on the road, and why choosing the right festival is more important than chasing the flashiest one.
AVIV'S IMDB
AVIV'S PODCAST 'IN SYNC' W/ FORMER 50/50 GUEST RACHEL BRODSKY
This week, acclaimed artist/designer/director Jonathan Zawada reports to us live from the Australian countryside, where he details his long list of collaborations with artists like Flume, Mark Pritchard, and Radiohead's Thom Yorke.
In true 50/50 Spirit, we unpack with Jonathan the intricate overlap between art, music, math, and identity.
From translating sound into visuals to navigating the fine line between advertising and fine art, Jonathan shares how commercial work can actually sharpen an artist’s craft. We dive into the beauty of collaborating with musicians—where mutual respect keeps toes unstepped on—and the importance of knowing which part of the creative process truly lights you up.
Jonathan also opens up about the inspiration he draws from fractal geometry and the natural world, the complex (and sometimes necessary) role jealousy plays in an artist’s journey, and why Los Angeles ultimately wasn't the place for him.
Want to hear 3 guys nerd out about flowers? Well, you're in the right place! Enjoy.
JONATHAN'S WEBSITE
FLUME'S SKIN (ALBUM COVER ART by JZ)
TALL TALES (Tom Yorke & Mark Pritchard Concept Art)
This week, Alaman Diadhiou joins the pod. The guys discuss with Alaman what it really takes to carve out your own lane in the industry—and why you shouldn’t listen to people telling you to stay in theirs.
They dig into the mindset shifts that keep you moving forward: realizing what’s good for you (not just what others expect), learning to compete with yourself instead of everyone else, and switching out of the “I’m not doing enough” spiral. Plus: the subtle art of making something look effortless when you’ve actually given it everything you’ve got.
And of course, they cover the importance of wearing multiple hats—metaphorically, and sometimes literally, if you happen to be in the national tour of MJ the Musical. From high level collaboration at songwriting camps in LA to establishing himself in NYC as trusted generator of new theater, Alaman is an oustanding example of how to carry purpose and academic rigor in everything you do. Take a listen folks!
DEBBIE ALLEN DANCE ACADEMY (DADA)ALAMAN'S NEXT PLAY
This week, 50/50 Class President (UTA Coordinator) Noah Wolfson joins us on the show. He breaks down why the balance of power has shifted into the hands of creators—and what that means for the industry at large. We explore how AI is streamlining production and cutting costs, while also threatening the traditional entertainment job pipeline. Plus, Noah shares how to network without making it transactional, and why just 15 seconds of discomfort could be the key to your next big break...
Noah has attended every 50/50 festival to date, and we can't wait to see him at the next one.
50/50 FESTIVAL FILM FREEWAY
Book Recs:
CAA POWERHOUSE
THE MAILROOM
WHO IS MIKE OVITZ
WHO KNEW: BARRY DILLER
THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME: BOB IGER
This week on the 50/50 Podcast, Bebe Katsenes joins us (LINDA wig sadly not included) to talk about the art of building a live comedy show from the ground up. She shares how her improv roots inform her standup, the origin story behind her and Johnny Marx’s beloved character LINDA, and how she keeps audiences coming back month after month.
We also dive into the challenges of finding your comedic voice in today’s divided standup scene—does only performing for like-minded crowds help or hurt the art form? Tune in to find out!
GET YOUR TICKETS TO LINDA! (Monthly Comedy Show)
Clip of Bebe Performing
Take notes, people, because this is the ultimate how to episode! This week, we’re joined by Gabby Fiszman, co-founder of Odd One Out Films (with previous pod guest Maria Quesada). In this episode, Gabby walks us through exactly how she and Maria started Odd One Out on their own terms, through building trusted networks with their closest friends and collaborators.
Additionally, we touch on how to strategically transition away from your full time job while maintaining good relationships, gaining compassionate leadership skills through experience, varied forms of communication with your financiers, and yes… taxes.
ODD ONE OUT
GABBY’S BAND, GROCERIES!
Ever wonder what it's like smoking cigarettes with Natasha Lyonne outside of UCB at the age of 15? Well, you're in the right place. This week, we chat with comedian/writer/performer RUBY KARP! Credits include AFTER MIDNIGHT on CBS, THE CHARLIE PUTH SHOW, and Ruby's debut Off-Broadway stint, I DON'T TRUST ADULTS! We dig deep into the trials and tribulations of childhood fame, how social media is vital for self promotion, and what it takes to invite collaboration into a solo act. This episode is NOT one to miss. Welcome to the 50/50 Family, Ruby.
RUBY IS STRESSED (New Insta Web Series)
THE CHARLIE PUTH SHOW
We have a new Dude of the Day, and it’s Jacob Staudenmaier! His 50/50 Nominated Film, BOYS, answers the very simple question: What do Boys do tho?...
But when Jacob isn’t calling out the delicate turf war of masculinity, he is a jack-of-all trades filmmaker whose consistent output of professional grade shorts is awe inspiring.
In this episode, we discuss how a viral promposal to Emma Stone unexpectedly sparked Jacob's filmmaking career, how he filmed a festival short in just three hours, and the simultaneous restrictions and privileges of shooting on film. Some of Jacob's work below!
PEPPERONI
BABY
EMMA STONE, PROM?
This week, we’re joined by Rachel Brodsky, accomplished music/pop culture journalist. We spoke for just over an hour about what it's like to chart your own path in media and criticism, and what we in the film industry can learn from the film critic. Rachel shares the early words of encouragement that nudged her toward writing and analyzing pop culture, and how learning to think critically shaped her voice as a journalist.
Rachel brings up the challenges of breaking free from the algorithm to become your own curator, and how to sharpen your taste in an overwhelming media landscape. Rachel also reflects on her experiences interviewing actors like Mikey Madison and Eva Victor — including a behind-the-scenes look at Eva’s upcoming film, SORRY, BABY.
Rachel's Rolling Stone Article about SORRY, BABY linked here!
In film, a "calling card" refers to a project, often a short film, designed to showcase a filmmaker's talent, style, and vision to potential collaborators and industry professionals (Wyatt didn't know this so we figured he'd learn it if he read the episode description).
Well, this week, 50/50 Alum Maria Quesada gives us the ultimate download on HER Calling Card, HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, which she wrote, directed, produced, and STARRED in! She takes us through how to allow comedy to be enhanced with stellar visuals, how to take ego out of directing yourself, and spills her secrets on how to film a traffic scene on a small budget set.
We also cover how family allows us to show love through humor, how to find projects that are authentically you, and we delve into her production company, Odd One Out Films, which she co-runs with Gabby Fiszman (future guest on the pod)!
Maria's short was an offical selection of the 2025 50/50 Comedy Festival, and we look forward to having her back next year!
LINK TO ODD ONE OUT PRODS
This week, we're diving headfirst into the wild world of animation with creators Torey Strahl and Elena Ridker. From knowing when it’s time to stop waiting for permission and start making your own work, to surviving the endless loop that is the Network Pitching Process, Torey and Elena share real talk on balancing creative ambition with commercial realities. We also get into the tricky business of separating your art from your income — and why that might just save your sanity.
If you're a cartoon nerd, an aspiring showrunner, or just curious about how an animated series gets made, this one's for you. Check out Torey and Elena’s offbeat animated series Buzzards Bay now streaming on Adult Swim’s YouTube channel. Elena’s already a 50/50 Comedy Festival alum, and we’re thrilled to officially welcome Torey into the 50/50 family!
LINK TO BUZZARDS BAY HERE!
This week, we sit down with writer/actor/musician Michael Doshier, who gives us a glimpse into the glamour of his thorough artistic process. We touch on topics such as finding confidence on set, surrounding yourself with collaborators who share passion as a driving force, and how to successfully find your niche in the festival circuit, ending up with a reliable distributor.
We loved having Michael at the last 50/50 festival, and we’re so glad that he’s now a part of the 50/50 Family.
All the World’s a Stage on this week’s episode of the 50/50 Podcast. Joaquin Madrid Larranaga not only introduces us to the complex world of finding work in the Theatre, but also (like the true multihyphenate he is) applies his stage managerial knowledge to the world of Film. And there is a LOT to learn. We touch on non traditional paths in the arts, technical skills vs. people skills, and what it really takes to create a thriving on set environment resulting in long-lasting relationships.
It was so special having Joaquin join us at the last 50/50 festival, and we look forward to furthering his involvement in the 50/50 community.
This week, we share a laugh with stand up comic Johnny Marx. We dive into the science behind crafting jokes, the differences in processing conceptual and personal material, and how Johnny manages to bridge the gap between his own voice and the styles of his comedic heroes. Johnny also stresses the importance of enjoying every stage of the comedic process; from writing to booking to hitting the stage. Want to learn how to escape the endless hamster wheel of bringer shows? THIS episode is for you.
Johnny is a 50/50 alum and repeat attendee of the festival, and we couldn't be more grateful to have him in our orbit.
This week, we talk with the incredibly grounded and talented Cady Mariano. Cady provides invaluable insight into what it truly takes to stay resilient, hopeful, and energized as an actor in an unpredictable industry.
We unpack the power of rehearsals, how actors contribute to a collective creative vision, and the different directing styles that shape the on-set experience. This conversation is both eye-opening and encouraging, touching on how to keep your mental health in check, bring playfulness to your performance, and approach feedback with grace and grit. Cady is a frequent collaborator of multiple 50/50 alumni, and we're so excited to welcome her to the fam!
LIGHTS, CAMERA, TRAILERS. This week, Andrew Gerstenblatt invites us into the captivating world of the movie trailer. Andrew’s passion radiates with depth and nuance as he makes a compelling case for trailers-- not merely as marketing tools, but as a distinct and often underappreciated art form. Andrew guides us through the intricate process of crafting trailers, oftentimes communicating directly with directors and studios, playing a unique role in each film's rollout. Andrew has been a consistent supporter of 50/50 and we're thrilled with how this conversation turned out. Enjoy!
This week, we break down the representation space with manager Max Gonzalez. We discuss weathering the trecherous waters of the talent agency; Max stresses the importance of supporting a system while also maintaining a sense of self. We also chat about how to successfully advocate for and communicate with creatives, and attempt to pinpoint where the Film/TV market is at any given point. Max Gonzalez is a true force to be reckoned with - you won't want to miss this one!
This week, we dive headfirst into the world of sketch comedy, as Arthur Goldbart helps us find our funny.
From casting your friends to shaping your comedic voice, we break down the early building blocks of making people laugh — and why it’s harder (and more rewarding) than it looks.
Arthur Goldbart breaks down how the internet has transformed the sketch landscape, making it possible to find your audience without waiting for permission. We talk about the joys of trial and error, what it means to be seen, and the beauty of expressing constant gratitude — even when the algorithm isn’t playing nice.
Whether you’re just starting out or trying to refine your voice, this episode is a reminder that the messiness is part of the magic.
Arthur has been involved in the 50/50 festival since its conception... and don't be surprised if you see him at the next one!
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