Claim OwnershipOperator Mindset - with Howie Zales
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Operator Mindset is a podcast about leadership, execution, and building businesses that scale. Hosted by Howie Zales, founder of HJZ Productions and Viridity Entertainment Services, the show explores what it takes to move from working in your business to operating on it.
Formerly TV Crew Talk, the podcast now expands into conversations on systems, leadership, AI, technology, and the mindset behind successful operators.
Formerly TV Crew Talk, the podcast now expands into conversations on systems, leadership, AI, technology, and the mindset behind successful operators.
38 Episodes
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Are you the bottleneck in your own business?In this episode of Operator Mindset, Howie Zales - founder of HJZ Productions and Viridity Entertainment Services- sits down with Athena (ACTi Agent) to explore one of the most common leadership challenges founders face: becoming the bottleneck in their own company.The conversation dives into leadership mindset, delegation, business systems, and how founders can move from working in the business to operating on it.They also discuss how AI tools and operational thinking can help leaders scale teams, build systems, and reduce dependency on the founder.Topics covered in this episode include:• Founder bottlenecks in business• Leadership and delegation challenges• Building systems that scale• Transitioning from operator to business leader• AI tools for founders and business operations
From decades of hands-on broadcast experience to the realities of modern production, this episode looks at where the industry is actually heading.In this episode of TV Crew Talk, Howie sits down with Callie, an AI Influence Mastery Agent built for creators, production teams, and businesses focused on clarity, ethics, and results.They discuss how AI can support human decision-making, creativity, and leadership without replacing them.The conversation covers integrity-driven technology, practical workflows, and what production teams need to understand now to stay competitive.No hype. No shortcuts.Just a direct conversation about using AI as a tool, not a crutch - and keeping human judgment at the center of the work.🎙 TV Crew Talk with Howie Zales🤖 Featuring: Callie
From driving 550 miles for his first gig to mixing audio for the biggest shows in sports, Charlie Cushing has seen the broadcast industry from every angle. In this episode of TV Crew Talk, Charlie and Howie dive into how the world of live sports is changing - from union growth and replay techs joining contracts, to training the next generation and navigating the rise of AI.It’s a real, unfiltered look at the crews behind the cameras - the skill, the grind, and the teamwork that keep every show alive. 🎙️ TV Crew Talk with Howie Zales🎥 Featuring: Charlie Cushing#TVCrewTalk #BroadcastLife #HJZ #VES #BehindTheBroadcast #UnionStrong
In Episode 8 of TV Crew Talk, Howie sits down with longtime friend Dan Reardon, a producer, editor, and designer whose career has evolved alongside every major shift in technology, from tape decks and Avid bays to DSLR cameras and now AI. From their college days at Plattsburgh to a decade-long partnership producing national content for Glamour magazine, Daniel’s story is about growth, adaptability, and staying true to the craft.He shares what those early internships taught him, how creative roles have blended over time, and why success today means more than just mastering tools - it’s about keeping your voice, your balance, and your passion alive. Tune in for a conversation about evolution, authenticity, and building a creative career that lasts. 🎧#TVCrewTalk #LiveProduction #PostProduction #MediaCareers #BehindTheBroadcast #AIinCreativity
In Episode 7 of TV Crew Talk, Howie sits down with longtime friend Brian Colton - an engineer and technical leader whose 30+ year career spans ESPN, MSNBC, MLB Network, FOX News, and NBC. From high school production classes to internships that revealed both passions and deal-breakers, Brian’s story shows why knowing what you don’t want can be just as important as knowing what you do. Blending career moves with personal priorities, he shares how to stay flexible, realistic, and ready for whatever comes next - and why chance always favors the prepared mind. Tune in for lessons on internships, resilience, and building a life and career that work together. 🎥#TVCrewTalk #BroadcastLife #Internships #MediaCareers #BehindTheScenes
Welcome to Episode 6 of TV Crew Talk.Guest Darren Chiappetta (producer/director; WWE, ESPN/ABC, NBC Olympics, track & field) breaks down how live sports are changing — from REMI/remote workflows and centralized control rooms to cloud production and what it all means for crews, freelancers, and the next generation. What we coverWWE backstage: scaling a live TV “concert” every weekProducer’s job on track & field: logistics, timing, live storytellingREMI explained: crews on site, control rooms off site; MLS + Olympics examplesCloud shows from home: director, producer, A1, TD all remoteFewer crews, more consolidation — how networks are restructuringCareer advice: be versatile, learn AWS/cloud, and why staff roles may be safer than freelance (today)
In Episode 5 of TV Crew Talk, Howie sits down with longtime collaborator Eric Bini, an audio engineer who has worked on everything from NHL Productions to HBO, Netflix, and all-access sports documentaries. Eric pulls back the curtain on the invisible craft of sound - wiring athletes, hiding mics, and managing the unpredictable challenges of live production. From the chaos of set environments to the quiet discipline of prep days, he shares why collaboration and planning are the keys to making crews succeed.If you’ve ever wondered what really goes into capturing sound that audiences don’t notice - but can’t live without, this conversation will give you a whole new respect for the role of audio in live television and film.
In Episode 4 of TV Crew Talk, Howie sits down with Frank Campagna, a 2x Emmy Award-winning producer, director, and creative leader who spent over 30 years shaping children’s television at Sesame Workshop. From starting out in 1994 to leading teams across studio shoots, animation, and international productions, Frank’s story is one of constant reinvention. But what makes his journey truly powerful is how his personal life shaped his professional path.When his son was diagnosed with autism, Frank found a new purpose in creating content for Sesame’s autism initiative, blending his craft with his calling. Now stepping into the next chapter as a freelancer, writer, and advocate, Frank shares lessons on creativity, resilience, and the heart behind every project. 🎙️Tune in for a conversation about storytelling, leadership, and why the best productions are always about more than what happens on camera. #TVCrewTalk #SesameWorkshop #AutismAwareness #BroadcastLife #BehindTheScenes
In Episode 3, Howie sits down with Matt Wachtel- U.S. Army veteran, elite trainer, and founder of Body Bank Fitness.Matt’s story is proof that the same grit and discipline that get you through boot camp can also build a thriving business. We talk about the lessons the military taught him about leadership, resilience, and staying mission-focused -and how those lessons shape every rep, every client, and every decision he makes as a business owner. If you’ve ever wondered how a military mindset can fuel entrepreneurial success, this episode’s for you.
In this solo episode, I’m sharing the real story behind Howie.How it all began, what I had no clue about when I started, and the lessons that shaped the way I work today. From unexpected turns to figuring things out on the go -this is how I’ve made it work (and how I keep going even when things get messy). If you're building something of your own, or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes... this one’s for youLet’s talk beginnings, growth, and the stuff no one puts on LinkedIn.
In the premiere of Season 2, Howie sits down with the one and only Rabbi Brian for a conversation that goes far beyond community. When COVID shut down physical spaces, synagogues faced a new challenge: how to create connection without a building. What followed was a creative, emotional, and often chaotic journey into livestreaming, remote faith, and the unseen heroes behind the scenes. This episode dives into:How live production became a spiritual toolWhat faith looks like through a lensThe challenge of making people feel seen from a distanceIt’s honest, heartfelt, and surprisingly funny.You’ll walk away thinking differently about the role of tech, storytelling, and purpose, no matter what industry you’re in. 🎧Episode 1 is now streaming everywhere.
This episode is sponsored by The Broadcast Sports Course learning how to break into the television sports industry from Emmy Award winning camera operator Howie Zales. The Broadcast Sports Course is a 2 day intensive bootcamp, you will learn how to build a successful career. Today’s guest is a camera operator with over 25 years of experience shooting broadcast sports. Todd is also a movie star!! When you can’t find him on the big screen you might be able to see him on the small screen shooting boxing for many different clients. Let's take a deep dive into Todd Pallidino’s career.Follow Howie... https://www.howiezales.com/ Instagram LinkedIn
This episode is sponsored by https://www.broadcastsportscourse.com/ learn how to break into the television sports industry from Emmy Award winning camera operator Howie Zales. The Broadcast Sports Course is a 2 day intensive bootcamp, you will learn how to build a successful career. Today’s guest is a camera operator with over 38 years of experience shooting network Level sporting events. Craig’s resume includes Sunday Night Football, Olympic Games, Triple Crown Horse Racing, College Football, and The Little League World Series. Craig also shoots all local sports in South Florida. Craig is an 2 time Emmy Award winner.Follow Howie... https://www.howiezales.com/ https://www.instagram.com/howiezales/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardzales/
This episode is sponsored by https://www.broadcastsportscourse.com/ learn how to break into the television sports industry from Emmy Award winning camera operator Howie Zales. The Broadcast Sports Course is a 2 day intensive bootcamp, you will learn how to build a successful career. Today’s guest is a camera operator with over 25 years of experience shooting broadcast sports. But Scott's experience doesn't stop there. He has shot feature films, operates jibs, and now flies drones. Let's take a deep dive into Scott Snell's career.Follow Howie... https://www.howiezales.com/ https://www.instagram.com/howiezales/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardzales/
This episode is sponsored by https://www.broadcastsportscourse.com/ learn how to break into the television sports industry from Emmy Award winning camera operator Howie Zales. The Broadcast Sports Course is a 2 day intensive bootcamp, you will learn how to build a successful career. www.instagram.com/howiezales/www.linkedin.com/in/howardzaleshowiezales.com
This episode is sponsored by https://www.broadcastsportscourse.com/ learn how to break into the television sports industry from Emmy Award winning camera operator Howie Zales. The Broadcast Sports Course is a 2 day intensive bootcamp, you will learn how to build a successful career. Today’s guest is a camera operator with over 45 years of experience shooting Winter and Summer Olympics, Winter and Summer X-Games. Nascar and IRL Racing, The Grammy Awards, The MTV Music Video Awards and plenty of other sporting and events. Ted Flandreau was my first professional mentor.Follow Howie... https://www.howiezales.com/ https://www.instagram.com/howiezales/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardzales/
This episode is sponsored by https://www.broadcastsportscourse.com/ learn how to break into the television sports industry from Emmy Award winning camera operator Howie Zales. The Broadcast Sports Course is a 2 day intensive bootcamp, you will learn how to build a successful career. Today’s guest is a camera operator with over 20 years of experience shooting every sport you can possibly think of. He was my first mentor in college. Chris Kelley is now a full time camera operator with ESPN. Chris offers a ton of advice and how to get started.Follow Howie... https://www.howiezales.com/ https://www.instagram.com/howiezales/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardzales/
Welcome back to Howie Zales Live, season 2. This podcast was formally The Unexpected Entrepreneur, but we decided to pivot a gear the show more towards the television sports and entertainment industry.I’m an Emmy award winning camera operator with over 20 yrs experience shooting television sports at the highest network level. I’ve shot Super Bowls, Kentucky Derbys, Olympics and even Wrestlemanias. I’m Howie Zales, your host of TV Crew Talk. Conversations about the exciting careers of Broadcast Sports and Entertainment professionals.This podcast will help accelerate your career in broadcast sports. Learn from insiders about the industry and how you can get started in the most exciting career!!https://www.instagram.com/howiezales/www.linkedin.com/in/howardzaleshowiezales.com
Today’s guest is a hair and makeup artist to the stars. Brittany Lammon’s talent’s don’t stop there. She is also a successful entrepreneur, and owns several patents. Brittany’s latest invention the Chub Rub Patch has taken off.Follow Brittany on social media...@thechubrubpatch.shopTo purchase The Chub Rub Patch...https://thechubrubpatch.shop/To Follow Howie howiezales.comhttps://linktr.ee/hzales
An established leader in the world of design, Stacy Garcia is a successful creative entrepreneur and founder of multiple business enterprises: With several commercial brands like stacy is an internationally renowned designer and forecasting expert. She has partnered with some of the world’s leading manufacturers to create products that span from floor to ceiling, including textiles, wall coverings, furniture, carpet & accessories.To Follow Stacy on social media@stacygarica on FB and IGhttps://shopstacygarcia.com/Follow Howiehttp://www.howiezales.comhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/howardzaleshttps://twitter.com/ViridityEntert1https://www.facebook.com/howie.zaleshttps://www.instagram.com/howiezales/
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