The Story Series Podcast with Brandon Violette (For Writers Who Break The Rules)

Lee Papa is an author and performance and wellbeing coach who helps individual creatives, professionals, and teams strengthen their internal guardrails so clarity, resilience, and aligned results become sustainable. Her work blends emotional intelligence, mindful mastery, and practical insight to support the full human system behind performance. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • The difference between hard work and "forced" work. • How autopilot leads to creative burnout. • Why guardrails (not restriction) actually improve creativity. • And the connection between increased awareness and better writing. RESOURCES: • Mindful Makeovers: The Reset Map - $27 USE code: STORYLETTER for 50% Discount • Schedule a 15 Minute FREE Inquiry Call with Lee WANT MORE? ✏️💥 I put together a free guide called The Rule Breaker's Guide to Finding Your Creative Voice. A brutally honest roadmap built from the lessons, mistakes, and breakthroughs I've collected as a professional writer. 👉 Get it for free at StorySeriesPodcast.com CONNECT: • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

NYC to LA, We Ghosted Media LLC is a production studio focused on compelling storytelling and content creation. With an ever-changing industry, we find alternative ways to deliver new and exciting media that will engage in a two-way conversation with our audience. Our mission is to inspire other artists to keep telling their stories, produce immersive entertainment, and stay true to their original ideas and concepts. Run by award-winning Co-Founders Jaclynn Demas and Christopher Jammal, We Ghosted Media LLC brings 20+ years of experience in series animation, live-action and film production, and creative marketing promotion. Jaclynn and Chris have created and produced content for Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Disney, Sesame Street, PBS Kids, Amazon, and Fox.  IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • The evolution of their upcoming animated series "Owen Nowhere". • How Web3 and blockchain could give creators more ownership of their IP. • The narrative possibilities of fan-driven storytelling. • And how "getting ghosted" led to the creation of We Ghosted Media. RESOURCES: • Owen Nowhere on Instagram • We Ghosted Media • Lamina1 WANT MORE? ✏️💥 I put together a free guide called The Rule Breaker's Guide to Finding Your Creative Voice. A brutally honest roadmap built from the lessons, mistakes, and breakthroughs I've collected as a professional writer. 👉 Get it for free at StorySeriesPodcast.com CONNECT: • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

Agnes is a self-published children's book author who debuted in 2024. Driven by a passion for storytelling, she overcame the challenges of self-publishing and, within 6 months, completely sold out of her debut book, "Who Took My Stuff", with a single viral video. Since then, demand has continued to grow and she's already on track to sell out again as she prepares new adventures for her readers. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • The making of her viral book: "Who Took My Stuff" • Writing with simple language and "low stimulation" storytelling. • Choosing between Amazon KDP, Barnes & Noble Press, and Alibaba. • Advice for self-publishing vs. traditional publishing. RESOURCES: • Buy Agnes' Book • Agnes' Previous Episode WANT MORE? ✏️💥 I put together a free guide called The Rule Breaker's Guide to Finding Your Creative Voice. A brutally honest roadmap built from the lessons, mistakes, and breakthroughs I've collected as a professional writer. 👉 Get it for free at StorySeriesPodcast.com CONNECT: • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

Alyson (Piekarsky) Eisenband is an Emmy-nominated writer and creator, most recently serving as Story Editor on Nickelodeon's hit series Blue's Clues & You!. Her work spans television, podcasts, games, and toys, and can be found across platforms including Nickelodeon, PBS, Netflix, Disney Junior, Duolingo, YouTube, Tonies, and wherever podcasts are streamed.  IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • Writing across TV, podcasts, games and toys. • Networking for writers as a long-term strategy. • How to cold reach out on LinkedIn (and get responses). • And why you shouldn't limit yourself to one lane. RESOURCES: • Alyson's LinkedIn WANT MORE? ✏️💥 I put together a free guide called The Rule Breaker's Guide to Finding Your Creative Voice. A brutally honest roadmap built from the lessons, mistakes, and breakthroughs I've collected as a professional writer. 👉 Get it for free at StorySeriesPodcast.com CONNECT: • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

Qiushi Zhang is a writer-turned-founder and CEO of Leyline, an AI filmmaking platform built specifically for screenwriters and storytellers. After years of pitching scripts, waiting on greenlights, and watching great work stall, she set out to build a tool that lets creators iterate, experiment, and make films without waiting for permission. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • Why AI makes writers uncomfortable, and why that's worth talking about. • Efficiency versus effectiveness in creative work. • What storytelling looks like without permission. • And whether AI can actually make art. RESOURCES: • Leyline: https://www.leylinepro.ai WANT MORE? ✏️💥 I put together a free guide called The Rule Breaker's Guide to Finding Your Creative Voice. A brutally honest roadmap built from the lessons, mistakes, and breakthroughs I've collected as a professional writer. 👉 Get it for free at StorySeriesPodcast.com CONNECT: • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

John Huss is a comedy writer with extensive experience in animation, late night and sitcoms. John was a staff writer on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" and "The Showbiz Show with David Spade" and has done joke writing for Norm Macdonald, David Letterman, "SNL Weekend Update," Craig Ferguson, Frank Caliendo and a radio prep service. John began his career writing the series finale of the WB sitcom "Nikki," followed by two episodes of the hit ABC comedy "The Drew Carey Show." In addition to freelance work for Disney, Warner Bros., Netflix and Cartoon Network, John was nominated for three Emmys (and won one) for the PBS show "WordGirl," and has been staffed on "Spidey & His Amazing Friends," "Firebuds" and "The Chicken Squad." IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • Late-night TV as a pressure cooker for writers. • Writing 50+ jokes a day and letting most of them go. • Translating comedy skills into kids TV. • And how to take notes without taking them personally. RESOURCES: • John's IMDB WANT MORE? ✏️💥 I put together a free guide called The Rule Breaker's Guide to Finding Your Creative Voice. A brutally honest roadmap built from the lessons, mistakes, and breakthroughs I've collected as a professional writer. 👉 Get it for free at StorySeriesPodcast.com CONNECT: • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

After experiencing a tragic loss of a partner and battling some of his own personal demons, Will has grown to care deeply about having open and frank conversations around mental health. As a result, he's made it his mission to share his story in the hopes that it will show others they're not alone and perhaps encourage them to share theirs as well. In addition to his work in mental health advocacy, Will is the host of Sunday Reset w/ Will & Friends, a podcast where real conversations meet emotional honesty. He's also the author of One Step Forward: Ideally in the Right Direction, a personal collection of reflections on growth and resilience. He also just  released The Sunday Reset Journal: Writing Prompts for Your Inner Healing, which invites readers to slow down, reflect, and reset - one prompt at a time. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • Writing as a tool for processing grief and anxiety. • Turning private writing into public work. • Self-publishing and creative ownership. • And why "done is better than perfect" is a rule worth breaking. RESOURCES: • Will's Book: "One Step Forward" • Will's Podcast: Sunday Reset w/ Will & Friends WANT MORE? ✏️💥 I put together a free guide called The Rule Breaker's Guide to Finding Your Creative Voice. A brutally honest roadmap built from the lessons, mistakes, and breakthroughs I've collected as a professional writer. 👉 Get it for free at StorySeriesPodcast.com CONNECT: • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

Story Series Selects is a curated episode from the archive of screenwriters and filmmakers speaking honestly about uncertainty, false starts, and what it takes to stay in a creative career.  EPISODES FEATURED: • Joey Clift's Episode • Mike Ott's Episode • Ron Mita's Episode • Daniel Calvisi's Episode • Andy Guerdat's Episode • Jeff Aghassi's Episode WANT MORE? ✏️💥 I put together a free guide called The Rule Breaker's Guide to Finding Your Creative Voice. A brutally honest roadmap built from the lessons, mistakes, and breakthroughs I've collected as a professional writer. 👉 Get it for free at StorySeriesPodcast.com CONNECT: • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

Craig Carlisle is writer, director and actor. He won an Emmy for his work on "Arthur" for PBS and was nominated for second for "Welcome to the Wayne" at Nickelodeon. Craig was a finalist for the Humanitas Prize for one of his episodes of "Sofia the First" and recently received a nomination from the Canadian Screen Music Awards for a song he co-wrote for "Thomas & Friends" (he's helped write over 180 songs for animated TV). He was Head Writer for "Pete the Cat" at Amazon and "Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go" for Netflix, and Creative Consultant/Writer on the just-dropped "Hey AJ!" for Surfing Giant Animation and Disney Junior. Craig has also worked as a voice director, film and television writer and has directed theatrical productions in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago — including Off-Broadway at the Atlantic Theater, Cherry Lane and LaMama ETC. Craig holds degrees from Indiana State University and New York University and is a proud member of The Animation Guild, Writer's Guild of America East and SAG/AFTRA. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • Why writing for kids is one of the hardest forms of TV writing. • The importance of finding a story's North Star. • How limitations can sharpen storytelling choices. • And why emotional engagement matters more than comprehension. RESOURCES: •  Craig's IMDB Profile WANT MORE? ✏️💥 I put together a free guide called The Rule Breaker's Guide to Finding Your Creative Voice. A brutally honest roadmap built from the lessons, mistakes, and breakthroughs I've collected as a professional writer. 👉 Get it for free at StorySeriesPodcast.com CONNECT: • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

Michael v. Greene is an award winning writer-director and co-founder of Everyone Can Eat. His feature film, "CLIKA" (2026), follows the journey of a young Mexican-American from picking fruit in the fields to musical stardom, and will be released theatrically by Columbia Pictures. Michael penned and directed his debut feature film "LIVE" in 2018, a found-footage, psychological thriller, aiming to draw attention to human trafficking. It is distributed by Entertainment Studios / Freestyle Digital Media and currently streaming on numerous platforms. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • How a Craigslist gig led to a studio feature film. • Writing the first draft of "CLIKA" in just two weeks. • Getting authentic performances from first-time actors. • And why there's no single "right path" into the industry. RESOURCES: •  Check out CLIKA • Michael's Production Company: Everyone Can Eat WANT MORE? ✏️💥 I put together a free guide called The Rule Breaker's Guide to Finding Your Creative Voice. A brutally honest roadmap built from the lessons, mistakes, and breakthroughs I've collected as a professional writer. 👉 Get it for free at StorySeriesPodcast.com CONNECT: • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

Born in Toronto, Canada, Ryan Pyle spent his early years close to home. After obtaining a degree in International Politics from the University of Toronto in 2001, Ryan realized a life long dream and traveled to China on an exploratory mission. In 2002 Ryan moved to China permanently and in 2004 Ryan became a regular contributor to the New York Times. In 2009 Ryan was listed by PDN Magazine as one of the 30 emerging photographers in the world. In 2010 Ryan began working full time on television and documentary film production and has produced and presented several large multi-episode television series for major broadcasters in the USA, Canada, UK, Asia, China and continental Europe. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • The hidden cost of post-production on "Tough Rides: China". • Owning your IP by self-financing (and why that matters long term). • Selling to Travel Channel UK and launching the franchise. • And why young creatives should leave expensive cities to find their voice. RESOURCES: • Watch Part 1 • Ryan's Website WANT MORE? ✏️💥 I put together a free guide called The Rule Breaker's Guide to Finding Your Creative Voice. A brutally honest roadmap built from the lessons, mistakes, and breakthroughs I've collected as a professional writer. 👉 Get it for free at StorySeriesPodcast.com CONNECT: • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

Born in Toronto, Canada, Ryan Pyle spent his early years close to home. After obtaining a degree in International Politics from the University of Toronto in 2001, Ryan realized a life long dream and traveled to China on an exploratory mission. In 2002 Ryan moved to China permanently and in 2004 Ryan became a regular contributor to the New York Times. In 2009 Ryan was listed by PDN Magazine as one of the 30 emerging photographers in the world. In 2010 Ryan began working full time on television and documentary film production and has produced and presented several large multi-episode television series for major broadcasters in the USA, Canada, UK, Asia, China and continental Europe. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • Circumnavigating China on motorcycles, and making it into a TV series. • Self-funding and guerrilla production. • Turning a personal crossroads into a large-scale creative risk. • And why commitment matters more than clarity at the start. RESOURCES: • Ryan's Website • Ryan's Previous Episode WANT MORE? ✏️💥 I put together a free guide called The Rule Breaker's Guide to Finding Your Creative Voice. A brutally honest roadmap built from the lessons, mistakes, and breakthroughs I've collected as a professional writer. 👉 Get it for free at StorySeriesPodcast.com CONNECT: • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

After interviewing dozens of professional screenwriters, show creators, and executives, the same mistakes, and insights, about pitching kept coming up again and again. In this episode, I distill those conversations into three practical takeaways you can apply today to your next pitch, whether it's a TV show, Film, or Limited Series. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • 3 strategies to improve your next Film / TV pitch • The most common pitching mistake writers don't realize they're making. • How to make your pitch feel personal (without oversharing). • And why the best pitches feel like campfire stories. EPISODES REFERENCED: • Ron Mita's Episode • Emily Brundige's Episode • Marisa Balkus' Episode • Nick Fillipi's Episode WANT MORE? ✏️💥 I put together a free guide called The Rule Breaker's Guide to Finding Your Creative Voice. A brutally honest roadmap built from the lessons, mistakes, and breakthroughs I've collected as a professional writer. 👉 Get it for free at StorySeriesPodcast.com CONNECT: • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

Goldie Chan, dubbed the "Oprah of LinkedIn," is an innovative LinkedIn Top Voice, author of Personal Branding for Introverts and the founder of Warm Robots, an award-winning agency. A Forbes alum and global keynote speaker, she helps Fortune 500s and creatives build lasting community and culture through brand storytelling. Known for her warmth and strategy, Goldie's work spans brand campaigns, Archie comics, and cozy product experiences. She lives in sunny Los Angeles with her very happy plants. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • The super powers that all introverts have. • How to set boundaries that protect your creative energy. • What to do to start building a brand (hint: you already have one). • And the unexpected career benefits that come from a personal brand. RESOURCES: • Goldie's Website • Buy Goldie's Book WANT MORE? ✏️💥 I put together a free guide called The Rule Breaker's Guide to Finding Your Creative Voice. A brutally honest roadmap built from the lessons, mistakes, and breakthroughs I've collected as a professional writer. 👉 Get it for free at StorySeriesPodcast.com CONNECT: • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

Beth Mosch is an emerging writer and producer focused on showcasing female-centered, LGBTQ, and athlete-driven narratives. She graduated from USC's School of Cinematic Arts with a degree in Film & Television Production and a focus on 3D animation and has worked on productions for Netflix, Sony Pictures, WBTV, and NEON. While running a social media marketing business, she continues to write and independently produce narrative projects. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • What it really takes to break into animation. • How to overcome writer's block. Hint: There is no such thing. • The right way to network and get your script read. • And why finishing projects matters more than perfecting them. RESOURCES: • Beth's LinkedIn WANT MORE? ✏️💥 I put together a free guide called The Rule Breaker's Guide to Finding Your Creative Voice. A brutally honest roadmap built from the lessons, mistakes, and breakthroughs I've collected as a professional writer. 👉 Get it for free at StorySeriesPodcast.com CONNECT: • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

A screenwriter for animated children's series, most notably Blue's Clues & You Nursery Rhymes and Barnyard Daycare at Nickelodeon, Hilary Van Hoose is also a journalist who has written for such magazines as Animation and Script. Growing up a PWD and multi-heritage homeschooler in Northern California and Hawaii, Hilary briefly studied to be a pastry chef before attending UC Santa Cruz to study abroad in France and get her BA in film, then earning an MFA in film and television production from USC. She has received accolades from Women in Animation, Children's Media Association, 1IN4 Coalition, Disability Belongs and more. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • Why the most underrepresented diversity in media is disability. • The on-screen tropes that need to stop. • How Sci-Fi lets creators tackle disability narratives thoughtfully. • And practical steps we can all take for a more accessible industry. RESOURCES: • Hilary's Screenwriting • Hilary's Journalism • Her Article that inspired our conversation. • Ask JAN: Job Accommodation Network • Geena Davis Institute's Analysis of Disability Representation • WGA's Inclusion & Equity Report WANT MORE? ✏️💥 Make sure to get my free guide: "The Rule Breaker's Guide to Finding Your Creative Voice". A brutally honest roadmap built from the lessons, mistakes, and breakthroughs I've collected as a professional writer. 👉 Get it for free at StorySeriesPodcast.com CONNECT: • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

A short update about how the podcast is evolving and why the next chapter is all about storytelling, writing, and breaking the right rules. ✏️💥 Plus, a free download to kick things off:  "The Rule Breaker's Guide To Finding Your Creative Voice". A brutally honest roadmap built from the lessons, mistakes, and breakthroughs I've collected along my journey as a professional writer.  --> It's available for free at: StorySeriesPodcast.com.

Brian Delate is a Vietnam Veteran, actor, writer, and director whose life and work bridge trauma, creativity, and transformation. After serving in Vietnam ('69–'70), Brian rebuilt himself through education, acting, and writing, eventually training at The Actor's Studio under icons like Ellen Burstyn, Harvey Keitel, and Al Pacino. His film and television career includes roles in The Shawshank Redemption, The Truman Show, Lisa Kudrow's The Comeback, and more. Brian is the creator of the acclaimed play Memorial Day, inspired by his own experiences with PTSD, healing, and redemption. Today, he continues to write, perform, and mentor veterans in the power of story. 🎙️In this episode, we explore:  ✅  The looming fear of the draft and the illusion that Vietnam "wouldn't last" ✅ The push-pull of boredom and terror during war ✅ The Snoopy monologue that changed his life and launched a career ✅ Studying at The Actor's Studio: Advice from Ellen Burstyn and Norman Mailer ✅ And what it was like returning to Vietnam decades later with his hit play 📌 Learn more about Brian: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0216507 📬 Have you signed up for the newsletter yet? Each week I share reflections, favorite moments, and what stuck with me from the latest episode: https://www.storyseriespodcast.com 🎥 Prefer to watch this episode? Catch it on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@bviolette?feature=shared 🔔 Like what you hear? Subscribe to The Story Series Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Peter Gaffney is an Emmy-winning writer, producer and story editor of animated television, ranging from Rugrats to The Simpsons. He is the co-creator of Nickelodeon's Aaahh!!! Real Monsters.  🎙️In this episode, we explore:  ✅ What the iconic Rugrats taught him about creative freedom ✅ Why his approach to writing comedy hasn't changed since the '90s ✅ How meditation saved his work ✅ His honest take on AI: the danger and the opportunity ✅ And why the rule he breaks is simple: stop asking for permission 📌 Learn more about Peter: https://tinyurl.com/4z8pea47 📬 Have you signed up for the newsletter yet? Each week I share reflections, favorite moments, and what stuck with me from the latest episode: https://www.storyseriespodcast.com 🎥 Prefer to watch this episode? Catch it on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@bviolette?feature=shared 🔔 Like what you hear? Subscribe to The Story Series Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Emmy nominee and NYT Bestselling author Elise Allen has written for all ages, preschool to adult. She developed/showran Princess Power; other TV credits include Dinosaur Train, Sid the Science Kid, and The Lion Guard. In features, she wrote The Pout Pout Fish, plus fifteen animated Barbie movies. Books include the Elixir series (with Hilary Duff), and Gabby Duran and the Unsittables, now a Disney + show. In the digital world, she wrote for Paris and Pups, and co-created The Monty Pickle Show. Elise is dedicated to telling unique character stories that entertain while sharing messages of kindness, inclusivity, and joy.  🎙️In this episode, we explore:  ✅ Building Princess Power around the idea that "Princess is a verb" ✅ The challenge of crossing from animation to live action ✅ Creating messy, human characters in kids' stories ✅ Why worldbuilding includes the team behind the show ✅ And the rule she breaks in every pitch room 📌 Learn more about Elise: https://www.eliseallen.com/ 📬 Have you signed up for the newsletter yet? Each week I share reflections, favorite moments, and what stuck with me from the latest episode: https://www.storyseriespodcast.com 🎥 Prefer to watch this episode? Catch it on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@bviolette?feature=shared 🔔 Like what you hear? Subscribe to The Story Series Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.