This week, I chat with the adventurous National Geographic Explorer , TV host, and wildlife filmmaker MALAIKA VAZ , the co-founder and CEO of Untamed Planet , a production company dedicated to making incredible environmental documentary films and nonfiction series that will impact and educate the public. Malaika was named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list and won Best On-Screen Talent at the 2024 Wildscreen Awards. Malaika's amazing work has taken her across some of the most hostile terrain on all seven continents - including hiking across glaciers in the Antarctic, filming undercover with criminal syndicates and diving with tiger sharks. Listen as we discuss how she got started making films at such a young age, why she has chosen to focus on wildlife and the environment with her films, what it means to be a National Geographic Explorer, and how she goes about telling environmental stories differently than celebrities like Al Gore and Leo DiCaprio. You can also watch the show on YouTube. Below are some links to GoFundMe pages for folks who have lost their homes as well as some other ways to donate to people or groups in need due to the wildfires. I've also included a link to a GoFundMe for a camera operator I worked with named Brent Freeburg. A few weeks ago he suffered two strokes. If you are able, please give these folks a few bucks. Thanks! Brent Freeburg's GoFundMe for his recovery after a stroke State of Create Report GoFundMe for documentary filmmaker Tracy Droz Tragos GoFundMe for producer Laura Korkoian GoFundMe for editor and producer Buzz Chatman GoFundMe producers Dustin and Erin Rubin GoFundMe for producer/director CJ Russo for Black Families Impacted by LA Wildfires Fundraisers for Hollywood Crew Members Affected by LA Fires Wildfire Relief Fund 2025 Los Angeles Fire Department Other organizations to donate to…

America loves true crime documentaries... especially if they are about serial killers. This week, I chat with true crime aficionado AMY GOODMAN KASS about her latest project, " "RICHARD RAMIREZ: THE NIGHT STALKER TAPES," which she executive produced and directed for PEACOCK, and we discuss why our country is obsessed with the stories of the worst of the worst. We dig into how Amy was able to take never-before-heard audio tapes from the notorious Night Stalker and bring them to life. Listen as Amy also shares her experiences working on other critically acclaimed projects like Showtime's "Love Fraud" and "Hollywood Black" (MGM+) and explains why it's important to explore other genres outside of true crime. And of course, we take a trip down memory lane and reminisce about our times attending the one and only Washington University in St. Louis. Lastly... Below are some links to GoFundMe pages for folks who have lost their homes as well as some other ways to donate to people or groups in need due to the wildfires. If you are able, please give these folks a few bucks. Thanks! GoFundMe for documentary filmmaker Tracy Droz Tragos GoFundMe for producer Laura Korkoian GoFundMe for editor and producer Buzz Chatman GoFundMe producers Dustin and Erin Rubin GoFundMe for producer/director CJ Russo for Black Families Impacted by LA Wildfires Fundraisers for Hollywood Crew Members Affected by LA Fires Wildfire Relief Fund 2025 Los Angeles Fire Department Other organizations to donate to…

In this episode, I talk to filmmakers EMILY KASSIE and JULIAN BRAVE NOISECAT , who are nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Documentary Feature category for their incredible documentary film, " SUGARCANE ," which hails from National Geographic Documentaries. "Sugarcane" chronicles a groundbreaking investigation into decades of systemic abuse at Indigenous boarding schools in Canada. Listen as I talk to Emily and Julian about how they were able to embed with the participants of the film for 160 days of shooting. Learn how the co-directors raised money to make their first documentary feature and how Julian balanced participating on camera with his father while also co-directing with Emily. We also dig into their bold stylistic and story choices, as this film looks and sounds unlike any of the other Oscar nominees. Watch "Sugarcane" on Hulu, Nat Geo, or Disney+ and catch our interview anywhere you get podcasts, including YouTube. Additionally... Below are some links to GoFundMe pages for folks who have lost their homes as well as some other ways to donate to people or groups in need due to the wildfires. If you are able, please give these folks a few bucks. Thanks! GoFundMe for documentary filmmaker Tracy Droz Tragos GoFundMe for producer Laura Korkoian GoFundMe for editor and producer Buzz Chatman GoFundMe producers Dustin and Erin Rubin GoFundMe for producer/director CJ Russo for Black Families Impacted by LA Wildfires Fundraisers for Hollywood Crew Members Affected by LA Fires Wildfire Relief Fund 2025 Los Angeles Fire Department Other organizations to donate to…

This week, I chat with award-winning filmmakers MARY ROBERTSON and ARIANNA LAPENNE , the creative forces behind AMAZON PRIME VIDEO'S four-part documentary series , "Glitter and Greed: The Lisa Frank Story." Listen as Mary and Arianna explain how and why they investigated the rise and fall of this famously colorful but internally and privately troublesome company. As director, Arianna takes us inside her creative process of how she shaped the unique interview looks, which help drive the series and illustrate who these former employees really are. Plus, Mary discusses why her company - MAXINE PRODUCTIONS - likes these types of nostalgic documentaries that shine a light on certain issues that may not have been so obvious back then. Lastly, I discuss the effects of the horrendous wildfires that are destroying the Pacific Palisades and Altadena in the Los Angeles area. While I am safe, several of my former colleagues and friends have lost their homes. It is the most destructive and devastating fire in my 20 years of living in LA. Below are some links to GoFundMe pages for folks who have lost their homes as well as some other ways to donate to people or groups in need due to the wildfires. If you are able, please give these folks a few bucks. Thanks! GoFundMe for documentary filmmaker Tracy Droz Tragos GoFundMe for producer Laura Korkoian GoFundMe for editor and producer Buzz Chatman GoFundMe producers Dustin and Erin Rubin Fundraisers for Hollywood Crew Members Affected by LA Fires Wildfire Relief Fund 2025 Los Angeles Fire Department Other organizations to donate to…

Gladiator II co-editor SAM RESTIVO joins "No Script No Problem" to talk about cutting the massive action sequel to the Academy-Award winning film and how he came to collaborate with legendary director RIDLEY SCOTT for the 5th time. Listen as Sam shares intimate details of how he and co-editor Claire Simpson cut critical scenes in the film, working with over 10 cameras on some scenes and heavy VFX at times to bring this epic movie to life. Sam brings us amazing stories from inside the edit bay and on the set of this hit film, which has grossed over $435-million at the global box office so far. In the interview, Sam also explains how he got his start in the industry and worked his way diligently up the Hollywood ladder to be able to edit a blockbusters like Gladiator II and Napoleon. He provides some valuable advice for anyone working their way up in the entertainment industry. Sam and I also discuss the ongoing debate about AI's presence in Hollywood. And lastly, I give you my take on Netflix's foray into broadcasting NFL games on Christmas Day. Thanks for listening! You can also watch on YouTube. Gladiator II Trailer The Berk Report My Instagram Connect with me on Bluesky…

This week on "No Script No Problem," I chat with award-winning filmmakers RICKI STERN and JESSE SWEET , the directors of the fascinating new HBO documentary, "NATURE OF THE CRIME," which chronicles the emotional journeys of three inmates, as they try to make parole while serving long prison sentences for serious offenses. Listen as they describe a tough 4-year production process and how they were able to get access to the prisons. Plus, Ricki and Jesse describe the struggle to balance the sensitivity with victims of the crimes along with the effort to tell a unique story about the quest for a second chance. Lastly, we discuss the state of documentaries today and what AI's role might be in the future of nonfiction. Listen to the episode anywhere you get podcasts and stream "Nature of the Crime" on MAX. You can check out the trailer below. Thanks! Nature of the Crime trailer My website…

This week, I'm joined by Aisha Corpas Wynn, one half of "The AI Chicks", and the hosts of the "AI Powered by People" podcast - Chad Reynolds and Sarah Nagle - for a riveting discussion about how AI is affecting the entertainment industry now and what effects it might have in the future. Chad is a CEO of Vurvey AI , and Aisha provides some outstanding insight on how the technology is working inside Hollywood today. If you are interested or worried about how AI will affect your job or your endeavors, listen to this episode. I also dig into the earth shattering move by Comcast to spin off a slew of its cable companies into a new entity. What does this mean for news? What about Bravo? And I give you my two cents on the disastrous Jake Paul v. Mike Tyson event. Listen anywhere you get podcasts and watch on YouTube. Email any questions you have here: NoScriptNoProblemPodcast@gmail.com My Website AI Powered by People Podcast Vurvey AI company website The AI Chicks Podcast…

In this episode of No Script No Problem, BAFTA-nominated filmmaker NATALIE HEWIT joins the show to talk about her new epic Nat Geo documentary, "ENDURANCE," which deftly chronicles the inspiring stories of two landmark expeditions in Antarctica - the original by Ernest Shackleton in 1914 and the modern-day search for his sunken ship. Natalie shares some riveting details of what it was like to be on the boat with the crew searching for the shipwreck Endurance while filming in below freezing temperatures. She also describes some of the groundbreaking AI technology they used to bring Shackleton's voice into the film. If you love adventure and defying the odds, this is a documentary you will love. You can watch it on Nat Geo, Disney + and Hulu. Listen to my interview with Natalie anywhere you get podcasts and watch it on YouTube. Some other topics I discuss include: Comcast's possible spinoff of its cable assets Governor Newsom's proposal to increase the film tax credit in California Netflix's 3rd quarter earnings Links below for more information: Newsom proposes an increase in tax credit Comcast could spin off cable assets Endurance Trailer…

This week on No Script No Problem, I talk to documentary filmmaker Amy Nicholson about her new feature doc “ Happy Campers,” which chronicles the final days at a waterfront Virginia trailer park that welcomes all with a smile… until developers come in, buy up the property, and kick the folks who've loved the place for generations out. Listen as Amy explains how she lived in the trailer park during production and how she felt when capitalism collided with this loving community. Amy also explains how she got the film made, which was not easy, and gives some advice for young filmmakers. You can watch "Happy Campers" via video on demand on platforms like Apple TV+ and Amazon. Here's the trailer . Listen to NSNP anywhere you listen to podcasts and watch the show on YouTube . Thanks!…

This week I chat with award-winning filmmakers Mary Robertson and Emma Schwartz to discuss their Emmy-nominated, critically acclaimed, and hugely popular MAX and Discovery ID docuseries - "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV," which sheds light on the troubling experiences of child actors in the entertainment industry, particularly those who worked on popular Nickelodeon shows produced by powerful showrunner Dan Schneider. Emma and Mary explain how they brought the project together and the keys to getting this very sensitive information from folks who were hesitant to talk. We also discuss why these types of projects are so important. The groundbreaking series set the internet ablaze with revelations of a toxic environment on set that included a voice coach getting arrested for sexually abusing one of the young stars. Dozens of former child stars have spoken out both during the series and since causing a reckoning in Hollywood and forcing the industry to make changes. Afterwards, I discuss the recent slew of insane announcements in entertainment, including a famous chicken restaurant entering the streaming wars and journalists declaring cable TV dead.…

This week I'm joined by Barry L. Levy , the creator, showrunner and executive producer of the new Apple TV+ original coming-of-age superhero series, “ME”. The show revolves around 12-year-old Ben Vasani, who is struggling at a new school with his new blended family when his life gets even more complicated. Ben discovers that he can transform into anyone he meets. As a shapeshifter, Ben must figure out who he is and who he wants to be. We get into how he sold an original series in the time where IP is everything and platforms are hesitant to buy new ideas. We also talk about his visions of an "Apple Cinematic Universe" and how he crafted the characters based on people he knows in real life. Plus, I get into the struggles in reality TV and the industry at large. Listen to the episode anywhere you get your podcasts and check out "ME" on Apple TV+. You can find the trailer below along with my website. Thanks! ME Trailer My Website…

A little horror and a little hip-hop in this two-interview episode of No Script No Problem. I'm joined by award-winning documentary filmmaker SACHA JENKINS to discuss his amazing film, "ALL UP IN THE BIZ," about the late rapper BIZ MARKIE, and I talk to author CHRIS PANATIER about his riveting new horror novel, "THE REDEMPTION OF MORGAN BRIGHT." Check out the All Up in the Biz Trailer and watch the documentary on Showtime or Paramount +. Or maybe it's Paramount + with Showtime. Something like that. Biz's hit "Just a Friend" is one of the top 100 greatest hip-hop songs of all time, and his humor was groundbreaking to the genre. I talk to Sacha about the legacy Biz leaves behind and his influence on hip-hop. Chris talks about his evolution as an author and his attraction to the horror genre. His journey from civil litigator to full-time writer is inspiring and definitely worth hearing. The book is scary and gripping. If you like thrillers or horror, this is for you. You can buy The Redemption of Morgan Bright on Amazon here. Send any questions you have here: NoScriptNoProblemPodcast@gmail.com Thanks!…

In this episode, I chat with Jeff Hasler, executive producer of the new NETFLIX documentary, "RATHER," which chronicles the career and life of the legendary newsman, DAN RATHER. We discuss the 4-year process to get the film made and how Dan changed journalism during his long tenure at CBS. Jeff and I also break down some of the struggles producers and production companies face right now in the unscripted TV industry, and he reveals how Original Productions' new FAST Channel is a way his company is pivoting during these challenging times. I also talk to sports reporter EMILY BICKS of Heavy Sports about the controversial commencement speech by Harrison Butker, the kicker of the Kansas City Chiefs. Bicks covers the Chiefs and provides some critical insight on the issue. We also chat about Caitlin Clark's first week in the WNBA, which was a bit bumpy, and what kind of a marriage Netflix and the NFL will have on Christmas Day. Thanks for listening. Send any questions you have here: NoScriptNoProblemPodcast@gmail.com and you can find me on social media here…

In this episode, I chat with sports reporter Emily Bicks of Heavy Sports about the NFL draft and the surprises and decisions that have fans, players and insiders talking. We break down the Atlanta Falcons' selection of Michael Penix Jr., the New York Giants' choice of Malik Nabers, and the trade between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills, which has given Patrick Mahomes a potentially dangerous weapon in Xavier Worthy. Emily Bicks covers the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, and Kansas City Chiefs for Heavy Sports and has interviewed some of the biggest stars in sports, including Shaquille O'Neal, Jerry Rice, and Stefon Diggs. With a passion for delivering breaking news and in-depth analysis, Emily provides readers with the latest updates on player performances, team dynamics, and off-field controversies. Her expertise and experience make her a valuable voice in the world of sports journalism. Check out her reporting on Heavy Sports in the link below. Emily Bicks - Heavy Sports I also examine the chaos at Paramount Global as they deal with the firing of Bob Bakish and the uncertainty of a merger or buyout. And finally, I share my thoughts on the battle for NBA broadcast rights, as Amazon emerges with streaming rights.…

I chat with filmmakers Rachael Dyer and Scott Ruderman about their PARAMOUNT + documentary "Pay or Die," which explores the skyrocketing prices of insulin in the United States and the impact on individuals and families. The co-directors discuss the genesis of the project and Scott's deeply personal connection to the issue. They highlight the stranglehold of the pharmaceutical companies on insulin prices and prescription medications as a whole. We also discuss the challenges of making and selling impact and issue-based documentaries today. Lastly, Scott and Rachael offer some advice for aspiring doc filmmakers. You can watch the trailer in the link below and see the film on Paramount +. Pay or Die Trailer Pay or Die Film on Paramount +…