Real Perspective

Eli talks to Megan Shub, a Emmy-winning producer who transitioned from the corporate world to the entertainment industry. After nearly a decade in the business, Meagan shares her experience working on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and the personal lessons she’s learned while navigating the unpredictable world of television production—especially as a remote producer in Korea. Links: https://ww...

Eli talks to Tony Morin, CEO and owner of Hendy Street Produxions a video production company in Wilmington, NC. Tony gives advice on how to maintain a career, company, and client base, in the ever-changing media landscape. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-morin-70961416/ https://www.hendystreet.com/ Get full access to ethereal films at etherealfilms.substack.com/subscribe

Eli catches up with Jan and Donvon, the creative minds behind Paperhand Puppet Intervention in Chapel Hill. They talk about how their puppetry brings activism, love for nature, and hope to the community and share insights into their role in the upcoming Gen X documentary. Links: https://www.paperhandpuppet.org/ Get full access to ethereal films at etherealfilms.substack.com/subscribe

Eli speaks with Simar, a premedical student turned journalist, about his years of experience covering health and policy stories. They discuss the importance of effective communication in medicine—not just in the office but in broader society—and what needs to change in the conversation around healthcare. Links: https://www.simarbajaj.com/ Get full access to ethereal films at etherealfilms.substack...

Eli sits down with Rob Bilott, the lawyer immortalized in the NYT article “The Lawyer Who Became DuPont’s Worst Nightmare” and the film Dark Waters, where Mark Ruffalo portrays him. Together, they dive into the power of storytelling in the courtroom and discuss their work on the upcoming documentary GenX: the Saga of Forever Chemicals. Links: https://www.taftlaw.com/people/robert-a-bilott/ https:/...

Eli talks with Sofia, a globe-trotting freelance journalist, about what it’s really like to live and work on the road. From navigating the changing landscape of journalism to practical advice on staying afloat, Sofia reveals the secrets of balancing adventure with career. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-quaglia-42a216142/?originalSubdomain=it Get full access to ethereal films at etherealf...

Join Eli and Heather as they explore the intersection of visual art and community in Asheville. Heather talks about how she’s built a life as an artist, reflects on the lessons learned from Hurricane Helene, and shares why community is the heart of her creative process. Links: https://www.heatherdivoky.com/ Get full access to ethereal films at etherealfilms.substack.com/subscribe

Eli chats with Ben about how his viral TikTok video during the pandemic changed the trajectory of his career, blending neuroscience with the power of public science communication. He shares the highs and lows of transitioning from academia to becoming a mass media sensation, revealing the behind-the-scenes struggles and triumphs. Links: https://www.benrein.com/ Get full access to ethereal films at...

Eli talks with Chris about his experience as an independent documentary filmmaker and supporting the community within the south as Artistic Director of the Southern Documentary Fund. They dive into getting started with your first film, fundraising and ways to earn real money from screenings. —Links about Chris: SDF Announcement for Chris www.instagram.com/spellerstreetchris/ Get full access to eth...