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Published by Reel Families for Change
Reel Families for Change is a data-driven nonprofit committed to creating equitable, inclusive solutions for screen industry professionals. On this show, we highlight the risk-takers and changemakers who are doing the work to make filmmaking fair for all.
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In this episode of Reel Talk, our host Akima A. Brown sits down with Tom Abernathy, a powerhouse storyteller whose career spans videogames, films, and theater. Known for his leadership as Narrative Lead at Crystal Dynamics and for shaping iconic titles like Halo: Reach, League of Legends, The Division, Guild Wars 2, and Destroy All Humans , Tom has spent more than two decades championing care, inclusivity, equity, and fairness in the creative process. Tune in to this episode to learn more about Tom’s vision for storytelling that sustains creators as much as it captivates audiences and how this artist-turned-industry leader is reshaping the gaming industry for the better. Follow Tom Abernathy on his channels: LinkedIn: Tom-Abernathy Twitter: @TomAbernathy BlueSky: @TomAbernathy Follow Reel Talk on our channels: IG: @reelfamilies FB: @reelfamilies YT: @reelfamilies LinkedIn: Reel Families for Change
In this episode of Reel Talk, our host Akima A. Brown sits down with Tome Levi, founder of the Injury Prevention Consultancy, and the pioneering role of Injury Prevention Consultant (IPC). With nearly a decade of experience across stage and screen, Tome created the IPC role after years of watching friends and colleagues sustain avoidable injuries in the name of performance. Her work is a call to shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive care — reframing injury prevention not as an obstacle to creativity, but as a necessary piece to realizing it. Tome dives into the philosophy behind what it means to slow down, design safety into the process, and challenge the cultural norms that normalize risk. Tune in to this episode to hear how one artist-turned-advocate is rewriting the rules of production culture and building a future where care is part of the creative process. Follow Tome Levi on her channels: Company Website: thisisipc.com Company LinkedIn: IPC Tome’s LinkedIn: Tome Levi Follow Reel Talk on our channels: IG: @reelfamilies FB: @reelfamilies YT: @reelfamilies LinkedIn: Reel Families for Change
On this episode of Reel Talk , we welcome Ariel Baska (they/them), filmmaker, advocate, and founder of ACCESS:HORROR and Ride the Omnibus. Ariel shares their journey toward creating more equitable, accessible storytelling in the entertainment industry, including their 4-2-4 production model and the making of their short film, Our First Priority, where a doctor is sent to hell for telling a patient their pain is all in their head. We dive into the challenges and opportunities in amplifying marginalized voices and explore how inclusive practices can transform both media and society. Tune in for insights, inspiration, and actionable ideas for a more just and creative screen industry. Follow Ariel's works across all channels: IG: @justaskabaska LinkedIn: Ariel Baska Website - arielbaska.com Follow Reel Talk on our channels: IG: @reelfamilies FB: @reelfamilies YT: @reelfamilies LinkedIn: Reel Families for Change
In this episode of Reel Talk, we have a conversation with Dr. Paul Heinzelmann, founder of SetMD — a company he launched in 2007 as Massachusetts' film tax credit brought more film and TV productions to the state. Dr. Paul tells our host, Akima A. Brown, how a chance connection to the film industry led to his mission to improve on-set health and safety for the crews that keep productions running. Drawing from his public health background, Dr. Paul identified troubling patterns among film industry workers — from long hours and untreated injuries to unsafe working conditions, especially among below-the-line crew members. Recognizing it as a system-wide issue, he opted for a solution that would have mass appeal and deep impact. The result: SAFE SETS: DYING TO WORK IN THE FILM INDUSTRY — a groundbreaking documentary, co-directed by Dr. Paul, that exposes the safety and health risks faced by workers on set and advocates for better practices and protections across the industry. Tune in to this episode to hear the untold story of the risks film crews face, why they persist, and the changes needed to safeguard the people who bring stories to life. Follow Dr. Paul Heinzelmann on his channels: IG: @safesetsmovie FB: @SETMD Website - safesetsmovie.org Follow Reel Talk on our channels: IG: @reelfamilies FB: @reelfamilies YT: @reelfamilies LinkedIn: Reel Families for Change
In this episode, we sit down with Ranell Shubert, advocate and founder of the Disability Media Alliance (DMA), to discuss her journey in advancing disability inclusion within the media industry. From her work at IDA to her leadership at DMA, Ranell shares insights on amplifying the voices of people with disabilities in storytelling, overcoming systemic barriers, and creating a more inclusive and accessible media landscape. Tune in to this thought-provoking conversation about the power of narrative and the critical changes needed to reshape the industry for disabled creators. Follow Ranell on her channels: Website: disabilitymedia.org IG: @ disabilitymedia LinkedIn: Disability Media Alliance Follow Reel Families on our channels: IG: @reelfamilies LinkedIn: Reel Families for Change FB: @reelfamilies YT: @reelfamilies
In this episode of Reel Talk, we sit down with Elaine Lin Hering, author of the book Unlearning Silence. Together, we’ll explore how silence is learned, enforced, and internalized. Using her “Vocal Culture” framework, Elaine will shed light on how we can break these cycles to begin speaking truth to power in spaces that often demand our quiet — no matter who you are. Drawing from her experience as a Harvard-trained litigator, leadership facilitator, and daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, Elaine shares how using one’s voice becomes a radical act in systems designed to exclude. Tune in as Akima and Elaine unpack what it means to unlearn silence in industries like film, where power and privilege shape who gets heard and who stays invisible. A call to reimagine how we show up, this episode invites you to challenge the culture of quiet and reclaim the power of being fully seen and heard. Follow Elaine Lin Hering on her channels: Website: elainelinhering.com IG: @elainelinhering LinkedIn: Elaine Lin Hering Follow Reel Families on our channels: IFollow Reel Talk on our channels: IG: @reelfamilies LinkedIn: Reel Families for Change FB: @reelfamilies YT: @reelfamilies
Eve Rodsky is the powerhouse responsible for transforming what is now lovingly known as the “blueberry breakdown” into a catalyst for social change. After reaching “the last straw” in the distribution of her own household labor, she applied her Harvard-trained background in organizational management and asked the simple yet profound question: What would happen if we treated our homes as our most important organizations? Her first book "Fair Play," explores just that. The NYTimes best-seller and Reese’s Book Club Pick, has helped partners reimagine their shared load in relationships, as well as changed the way we have conversations about unpaid labor and care. Her sophomore debut, "Find Your Unicorn Space," delves into creativity, productivity, and resilience, offering an antidote to burnout. Rodsky advocates for time equality and personal choice, aiming to influence policy change for sustainable impact.
Andrea Emmes is an accomplished producer, voiceover actor, and audiobook narrator with more than 25 years of experience in the industry. Her most notable achievements include winning several Society of Voice Arts and Sciences awards, being recognized as Best Female Narrator at the Independent Audiobook Awards in 2019, producing the award-winning animated short film, "Mila", and being an Associate Game Designer for Disney Interactive. Andrea surpasses limitations daily having been diagnosed with Type 1 Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in 2006. She avidly supports disability awareness and accommodations in the industry and centering care in the production process. ABOUT OUR GUEST Website | IG | Facebook | X (formerly Twitter)
In this episode, Leslie Forde -- founder and CEO of Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs® -- talks us through the four pillars of equitable, inclusive workplaces. She'll share how hirers, large and small, can center care for all their workers -- including contingent workers like those in the screen industry. About Leslie Forde LinkedIn | Notable Media Mention About Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs® Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | X9 (formerly Twitter)
Join us on this episode as we hear from Vicki Shabo, founding director of the "Re-Scripting Gender, Work, Family, and Care" program at the New America Foundation's Better Life Lab. Vicki is a lawyer, advocate, and policy expert who aims to affect shift paradigms by changing narratives... literally. In her role as director of the "Re-scripting" program, Vicki collaborates with studios, showrunners, and writers to integrate more authentic storytelling on topics of care, family, gender, and overall work-life success into scripted and unscripted TV and film. Recognizing that accountability structures and support vehicles must exist to see these efforts succeed, she also champions policy that expands workers' access to paid family and medical leave and paid sick time, promotes fair pay and aids all workers with caregiving responsibilities – including those in the screen industry. About Our Guest LinkedIn | X (formerly Twitter) About Her Work New America | Better Life Lab | Re-Scripting...
Rupinder Legha, MD is an independent clinician, scholar, and activist based in Los Angeles, CA, where she specializes in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. Her approach centers on holistic mental health services, emphasizing healing without coercion, force, or harm . As an antiracism educator, Dr. Rupi has authored numerous articles on integrating anti-oppressive practices into mental healthcare and medical education. Recently, she introduced The Antiracism in Mental Health Fellowship , a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind, intensive training program for healthcare providers. GUEST INFO LinkedIn | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter) ABOUT HER WORK Website | Fellowship Registration
On today's episode, we're talking with Melinda Hsu; writer and showrunner for some of your favorite binge-worthy classics like LOSt, NANCY DREW, TOM SAWYER, and more. Listen in as Melinda shares what she's learned from her years in the industry about genuine collaboration, intentional listening, and leading with kindness. With her insightful perspective and practical applications, Melinda is a role model for any industry executive ready to shift toward more sustainable, KIND production practices. GUEST INFO Instagram | X (formerly Twitter) ABOUT MELINDA'S PODCAST | Lead with Kindness A podcast that explores how kindness and inclusion, and intentionally fostering both in your environment, leads not only to better business results and higher standards of professionalism but PS - is the right thing to do.
Meet Kim Rohrer, writer, caregiver advocate, and Chief Creative Officer of Peak HR -- a company striving to change the way we work from the inside out. Indeed, Kim is far from your ordinary HR executive. A former actor, she's uniquely familiar with working artists' need for portable, flexible benefits and has been working to expand new market options into the entertainment space. Now, Kim leverages her unique perspective to help executives who hire contingent workers understand the benefits of supporting their workforce -- even if they aren't classified as "employees." Listen in as Kim shares the parallels between entertainment and technology, analyzes the effects of tech investment in the film industry, and offers suggestions for how we can improve work-life integration efforts in the industry. ABOUT THE SPEAKER LinkedIn | I Care Too Much Substack | X (formerly Twitter) ABOUT THE COMPANY LinkedIn | Website
On this episode, we're joined by Maureen "Mo" Ryan, a veteran reporter and Hollywood critic as we explore her first book, Burn It Down: Power, Complicity, and the Call for Change in Hollywood . Together, we'll delve into how Mo leveraged years of research, reporting, and righteous anger, not only to challenge the industry's toxic norms but also consider how care, compassion, and a whole lot of outside-the-box thinking can make things better. BURN IT DOWN Website ABOUT MO Instagram X (formerly Twitter) BlueSky
KielThorlton is an award-winning indie writer and director. His most recent feature,A PLACE CALLED HOME, not only centers on themes of family and care but was intentionally produced to ensure the presence of families on-set. In this episode, Kiel will share how he and his team deliberately applied compassionate accountability to bring sustainability to their set with shorter days and on-site childcare. And he'll offer some insights into how you can do the same, whether you're an established filmmaker, a weekend warrior, or still finding your way into the fray. FILM INFO Website Instagram Facebook
SENSITIVITY NOTICE: War | Grief | Abortion In this episode, we'll talk with the powerhouse director-producer duo, Tracy Droz Tragos and Jess Jacobs, of the award-winning documentary PLAN C . It follows Francine Coeytaux, a public health expert and the co-founder of the organization of the same name as she and her team fight to expand knowledge of - and access to - the abortion pill across the United States. Hear from the filmmakers about how they traversed rejection, found aligned partnerships, and ultimately brought this timely, urgent, and compelling story to the screen. And watch the digital premiere of critically acclaimed documentary here on AppleTV . GUEST INFO Jess Jacobs Website Instagram Tracy Droz Tragos LinkedIn Instagram FILM INFO Website Instagram X (formerly Twitter) The National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda was referenced during this episode. You can learn more about them here .
On this episode, we'll sit with Natalie Metzger: award-winning filmmaker, VP of Production and Development at Vanishing Angle, and brand new mom. (Yes, film and family!) Natalie will share some of her tried and tried processes for fostering a sustainable set, building a cooperative team, and taking care of your crew. She'll talk about why sustainability doesn't actually cost you more money... and how it might even save you a few dollars. Learn more about Natalie and her incredible work here: LinkedIn Instagram X (formerly Twitter) Work Bio You can also follow Vanishing Angle online via these platforms: Company Website Instagram X (formerly Twitter)
Thank you for joining us for Season 2 of Reel Talk, a spotlight speaker series brought to you by Reel Families for Change. We appreciate your support as we worked to make this season a special one with our limited edition series called "Of Color". This unique series is dedicated to showcasing and empowering BIPOC changemakers in the screen industry. These engaging sessions were recorded as part of our BIPOC Artpreneur Training Program , an industry initiative to bridge gaps for BIPOC creative entrepreneurs. Each week, we'll share an abridged clip from one of our featured speakers. For this final BONUS episode, we're joined by Shavonne White, Director of the Office of Supplier Diversity at Delaware's Division of Small Business. With nearly 20 years' experience in the public sector aiding nonprofits, small businesses, and independent contractors in the process of supplier certification, Shavonne shares how arts-based, minority-owned businesses can leverage government sales to sustain their business. Still haven't purchased the full catalog? Now's your chance! Visit our program page and you can gain full access to the entire audiovisual series with a minimum $5 contribution. Your paid support contributes to the program's sustainability and the empowerment of underrepresented voices in the industry. We look forward to your support and invite you to stay connected.
Welcome to Season 2 of Reel Talk, a spotlight speaker series brought to you by Reel Families for Change. This season, we're doing things a bit differently. We're Introducing a special edition series called "Of Color". This unique series is dedicated to showcasing and empowering BIPOC changemakers in the screen industry. These engaging sessions were recorded as part of our BIPOC Artpreneur Training Program , an industry initiative to bridge gaps for BIPOC creative entrepreneurs. Each week, we'll share an abridged clip from one of our featured speakers. Join us for a candid conversation with 3-time Emmy winning producer and industry leader, Rashidi Hendrix. We'll hear from him about why it's important to keep the big picture in mind, take chances, and how to reframe our thoughts about achievement to help us find (and strive for) the next win. Interested in learning more? Want to get in touch with Rashidi? We invite you to visit our program page . A minimum $5 contribution will grant you access to the full audiovisual sessions with our featured guests. Your paid support contributes to the program's sustainability and the empowerment of underrepresented voices in the industry. We look forward to your support and invite you to stay connected.
Welcome to Season 2 of Reel Talk, a spotlight speaker series brought to you by Reel Families for Change. This season, we're doing things a bit differently. We're Introducing a special edition series called "Of Color". This unique series is dedicated to showcasing and empowering BIPOC changemakers in the screen industry. These engaging sessions were recorded as part of our BIPOC Artpreneur Training Program , an industry initiative to bridge gaps for BIPOC creative entrepreneurs. Each week, we'll share an abridged clip from one of our featured speakers. Yet another incomparable treat, today we'll hear from Executive Producer, Kristen V. Carter. Kristen is an award-winning creative and the founding principal of "Blessed, Booked, and Busy" and founding member of the brand, "Trust Your Magic." Her work aims to support independent contractors and emerging entrepreneurs with becoming 6-figure earners. Want to hear more from Kristen about her process for helping creatives to consistently earn six-figures? Visit our program page to access the full series catalog. Trust us -- and trust yourself -- it's worth it! Your minimum $5 contribution will grant you access to the full audiovisual sessions with our featured guests, including Kristen. Your paid support contributes to the program's sustainability and the empowerment of underrepresented voices in the industry. We look forward to your support and invite you to stay connected.
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 9, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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