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💃🏻 Welcome to the mega 'season finale' episode featuring three personal and honest conversations about what menopause, aging, strength, and vitality mean to women facing this new era.

Join us as we dive into discussions of the changing mindset and deeper understanding and acceptance of menopause, aging, beauty, and mortality.

We also got jokes.

This hour long episode features the optimism and energy of fashion-exec-turned-writer Christine Morrison, the wisdom and deep knowledge of aging planner, Allison O'Shea, and the wit and honesty of long time close friend and creative powerhouse, Lydia Langford who pulls no punches.

Let's talk menopause! Let's talk fashion! Let's talk spider plants! Click play.

🐾

This final episode of season one is dedicated to the gift that was Elijah Zalkin who graced our presence in this life for three beautiful months.

May his beautiful sweet soul rest in peace.

Thank you Elijah.

😔

Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.

Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;

Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.

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We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line.

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www.chaunceyzalkin.com

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Welcome to Episode 16! We are nearing the end of Season 1 of Actual People.

In this episode, host Chauncey Zalkin muses on conflict resolution from a cul-de-sac baseball game between 5-10 year olds to two daft elderly men squabbling on national TV about their golf game when we're worried about the future of our country and who will run it. (hint: it will most likely be one of these two...😖) to creative collaboration and its pitfalls.

We get into the micro and macro of the human experience and culture and conclude with the four major stories Chauncey sees as the ones that will inform the next 25 years - from smart cities to a screen-minimized future.

Indulge your inner futurist and creative problem solver, and take a listen!

Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.

Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;

Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.

Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes.

We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line.

Actual People, a Podcast
www.chaunceyzalkin.com

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Sense making. It's one of the deepest human drives. We desperately want to make sense of our world and our role in it. Host Chauncey Zalkin delves into this topic in the episode before this (Ep 14) and reads her own story as a writer using allegory to see truth and heal.

We are all makers and consumer of stories of characters we invest deeply in. Now, in episode 15, she sits down a long time executive of the fascinating storytelling platform, The Moth, to talk about the power of telling personal stories in order to connect more deeply. The Moth a unique success story of universal storytelling based on the ancient oral tradition.

Chauncey says, "my first time I heard what turned into Orange is the New Black was on the Moth Radio Hour on a road trip to see a close friend with Cancer". Stories from all walks of life have been writ large through their storytelling platform.

In this episode she muses on the loss of organic culture before getting into the interview.

Kate Tellers co-authored the 2022 New York Times best seller, How to Tell a Story. (affiliate link)

Enjoy!

Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.

Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;

Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.

Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes.

We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line.

Actual People, a Podcast
www.chaunceyzalkin.com

Send us a Text Message.

We're pushing lots of buttons. We're clicking and liking and commenting. We're beeping and booping, scrolling and scheduling. We're drinking from a fire hose of advice, opinions and external standards for how we should live our lives. Where's it all getting us?

Welcome to episode 14. This might be the most vulnerable episode yet of Actual People. Today's episode is a monologue that discusses an over reliance on self help patter for facing our personal challenges and considers the value of rich metaphor and letting things lie in order to find clarity.

Host Chauncey Zalkin ends by sharing a draft of her allegorical novel in progress called "Claw" which starts around the 23 minute mark. Listen if you dare.

Topics:

• Writer's Block and Deep Work
• Efforting and Letting Go
• Advice Bros
• Metaphor
• Self Help as Distraction
• Her favorite self help book ever with her own interpretation of the tool it offers.

Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.

Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;

Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.

Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes.

We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line.

Actual People, a Podcast
www.chaunceyzalkin.com

Send us a Text Message.

Today host Chauncey Zalkin sits down with the author of "The Life Brief ".

Her guest, Bonnie Wan, has been the head of brand strategy at famed agency Goodby, Silverstein and Partners for over 13 years - and she took that talent for zeroing in on making meaning for major brands and parlayed it into writing briefs for people's lives starting with her own.

Take a listen.

Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.

Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;

Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.

Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes.

We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line.

Actual People, a Podcast
www.chaunceyzalkin.com

Send us a Text Message.

In this special Mother's Day edition of "Actual People," host Chauncey Zalkin shares a real-life story of serendipity and chance encounters in the mom era of her life.

Three weeks ago, a Saturday morning bagel run turns into an unforeseen adventure when our host and her daughter Sky discover Elijah, a scarred, malnourished, and beautiful older pit bull, wandering the streets in the rain. This episode delves into how they react to Elijah, reflecting on the broader themes of care, compassion, and the complexities of motherhood.

This episode contemplates intuition, personal ethics, and decision trees as well as the day-to-day life of a single mother doing the most.

Mentioned in This Episode:
- "White Collar" - a so-so TV show Chauncey watches with her daughters.
- The role of routine and organization in managing a busy household.
- The emotional and practical aspects of adopting and caring for a rescue dog.
- John Galliano
- Dog Poop

Join us next time on "Actual People" where we continue to explore the powerful narratives that shape creative lives.

Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.

Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;

Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.

Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes.

We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line.

Actual People, a Podcast
www.chaunceyzalkin.com

Send us a Text Message.

Today's guest is Oscar-nominated writer and director, Rob Pearlstein, known for his work in both advertising and television, MacGyver, Scorpion, Someone Marry Barry, and more. Join Rob and Chauncey as they delve into the dynamics of collaboration exploring the intense, intricate world of writers' rooms and creative agencies.

The episode offers a deep dive into how creative professionals navigate the pressures and politics of collaborative environments to produce magic. Whether you're an artist, a corporate executive, a CIA operative, or a junk bond salesman (okay maybe not that), this episode is for you.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:
1. The Essence of Collaboration: Rob discusses the necessity of collaboration in writers' rooms and compares it to his experiences in advertising. He shares practical tips on how writers and creatives can enhance their collaborative skills.
2. Navigating Difficult Conversations: Rob and Chauncey touch on sensitive topics like racism and sexism in creative spaces.
3. Survival Tips for Creative Fields: From "digging shallow holes" to understanding when to push an idea and when to step back, the conversation offers a roadmap for thriving in competitive creative environments.
4. The Impact of AI on Creativity: The discussion explores how artificial intelligence is influencing creative processes and the potential implications for creative jobs.
5. Rob's Personal Journey: From starting in advertising to breaking into Hollywood, Rob shares his personal and professional journey, including the challenges and breakthroughs that have marked his career.

Why You Should Listen:
- For Creatives : Gain insights into the skills and attitudes that help you succeed in high-pressure creative settings.
- For Aspiring Industry Professionals: Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at how TV shows and advertising campaigns come together from concept to execution.
- For Fans of Creating Better Processes Everywhere: Get 6 concrete tips for smoother collaboration.

Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.

Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;

Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.

Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes.

We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line.

Actual People, a Podcast
www.chaunceyzalkin.com

Send us a Text Message.

In the latest episode of "Actual People," host Chauncey Zalkin talks to the author of "Raising Hell and Living Well: Freedom from Influence in a World Where Everyone Wants Something From You, Including Me."

Their discussion explores the pervasive impact of digital influence, the very real physical and mental toll of digital dementia, and how the next 18 months will play a pivotal role on how we will all move forward as a society. She also adds some prescient advice for parents of teens facing A.I.'s future.

About Jessica:
After helping a cadre of brands gain influence, Jessica Elefante, former digital strategist-turned-author, experienced burnout and a personal epiphany. She quit everything and wrote a book chronicling her personal struggles and providing a roadmap for others seeking to disconnect from technological overreach and reclaim their mental space and creativity.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Jessica’s Background: Learn about Jessica's transition from a successful career in digital marketing to becoming a vocal advocate for living a tech-minimized life.
• The Genesis of "Raising Hell and Living Well": Jessica discusses the pivotal moments that compelled her to write her book and how she navigated the challenges of disconnecting from a digital-first lifestyle.
• Insights from the Book: An exploration of key themes such as the toxicity of digital influence and practical advice on establishing boundaries with technology.
• Her own "Folk Rebellion": Jessica shares her experiences founding and running Folk Rebellion, a media brand focused on promoting healthier digital habits through off-the-grid retreats and community engagements and how she realized that was not the whole picture either.
• Evolution of Her Views on Technology: How Jessica’s perspective on technology has shifted over the years, from advocating balanced tech use to recognizing the foundational problems inherent in digital platforms.
• Personal Anecdotes and Turning Points: Jessica recounts personal stories that highlight the severe impacts of digital overload on her health and well-being, leading to significant life changes.
• Advice for Creatives: Tips for creatives on navigating the pressures of the digital economy while staying true to one’s values and creative vision.
• Discussion on the Future of Creativity and Technology: A forward-looking conversation on potential paths for the creative industries in an increasingly digital world and the role of individual choices in shaping a healthier interaction with technology.

For More:

1. Check out her book: Raising Hell and Living Well
2. Subscribe to Jessica's Substack: Modern B.S.
3. And Subscribe to

Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.

Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;

Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.

Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes.

We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line.

Actual People, a Podcast
www.chaunceyzalkin.com