Could Be Worse

What actually goes into running a movie set? In this episode, we sit down with a legendary first assistant director whose resume reads like a film studies syllabus. From humble beginnings in Minnesota to working with huge directors on big sets, this conversation spans unforgettable set stories, navigating chaos with diplomacy, and the real unsung roles that bring movies to life. He shares how a ra...

What does it take to build a social media following while staying true to yourself? In this episode, we sit down with Aubrey Regner (@OnlyAubss), a Minnesota-based content creator who shares her journey from making Disney videos to capturing the heart of the Upper Midwest with her fresh perspective. We dive into the realities of influencer life, including brand deals, navigating passive-aggressive...

In this episode, Matt sits down with Andrew Peterson, a filmmaker, producer, and advocate for independent artists. Andrew shares his journey from location manager to executive director at FilmNorth, highlighting his experiences working with iconic filmmakers like David Lynch and his time at Sundance. They discuss the evolving film industry, the power of storytelling, and the importance of empoweri...

How do you balance a career in corporate finance with a passion for filmmaking? David Ash—writer, director, and creator of Incompleteness—shares his journey from writing screenplays in Excel to producing an award-winning TV series. We dive into the creative process, the challenges of indie filmmaking, and the philosophical ideas behind his work, including determinism, AI, and the evolving tv and f...

In this episode, host Matt Osterman sits down with Minnesota film composer and board game designer Charlie McCarron to discuss the intersection of music, storytelling, and game design. Charlie shares his journey from aspiring filmmaker to composer and how his love for problem-solving led him to board game creation. They explore the challenges of composing for film, the intricacies of designing eng...

Join us for a jam-packed conversation with Justinsuperstar, a creative force who has had a front row seat to the online video explosion. In this episode, Justin reflects on his early days of online content creation, getting fired from College Humor, being around for the creation of Vimeo, having the #1 app in the country, winning an Emmy, and how his journey evolved into becoming a serious documen...

This week, we chat with Anthony Cousins, the director of the acclaimed short When Susurrus Stirs and the found footage horror film Frogman. Anthony has made waves in the indie horror genre with his film Frogman, a genuinely frightening tale shot in glorious low-res high-8 film. The film follows three friends in search of the Loveland Frogman who find out that he is more than just a local legend. A...

This week, we chat with Chris Grap, the Vice President of Experiential Entertainment at the Mall of America. Chris shares his journey from working on film sets in LA to creating immersive experiences at the largest mall in the United States. Discover how he collaborates with Nickelodeon Universe to expand the on-site theme park and his plans for an upcoming waterpark. Chris also discusses his pass...

After one and half seasons, it's time we learn a little more about our host, Matt Osterman. Join Propellant team members, Lexi and Taylor, as they turn the tables and interview Matt for an exclusive look at his diverse career. From his early work on the Blue Zones project to directing notable films like Ghost From The Machine, 400 Days, and Hover, Matt shares his experiences and insights. Lea...

Join us for an engaging discussion with Steve Speers, legendary Camera Assistant and owner of Cinemechanics, as he takes us through his remarkable career in the film industry. In this episode, Steve opens up about his work with some of Hollywood’s most renowned directors, cinematographers, and actors, as well as his passion for technological innovation. Steve recounts his collaborations with Roger...

Join us for an information packed and hilarious conversation with Andy Hunt, a filmmaker whose career spans reality TV, independent films, digital projects, and teaching film production. In this episode, Andy shares his journey, experiences, and forward-thinking views on the future of filmmaking. Andy Hunt, most known for his work on “The Infernal Machine” starring Guy Pearce, Jeremy Davies,  Alic...

In this episode of the Propellant podcast, Ansa Akyea takes us into his journey in the theater world, sharing insights on the power and tools available to actors and creatives today. He reflects on his diverse background, having moved frequently due to his father’s work with UNICEF, and how this experience shaped his ability to connect with different environments and people. Ansa emphasizes the im...

Join us for a fun and inspirational conversation with the talented Marisa Coughlan, an accomplished actress and writer known for her roles in “Teaching Mrs. Tingle,” “Super Troopers,” and “Boston Legal.” In this episode, Marisa shares her journey from Minneapolis to Hollywood, her experiences in the film industry, and the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way. Marisa delves into the importa...

Jeff Hayne of Mill Creek Entertainment takes us through his journey from a life-altering accident to becoming one of the nation’s largest behind-the-scenes players in film and tv distribution. Discover his insights on selecting films, advice for filmmakers, the crucial role of physical media in preserving original content, and how his brush with mortality fueled a passion for living fully and appr...

Join us on this week's Propellant podcast as we take a tour into the mind of John O’Sullivan. John is best known for his entertaining one-minute virtual tours he presents on TikTok and other platforms. His presence really blew up over covid when he was doing virtual tours from Australia, but when he returned to his home state of Minnesota, he kept that train rolling and is now one of the best...

This week, we're diving headfirst into the word of virtual reality, augmented reality, and spatial computing with Amir Berenjian. He is the co-founder, CEO, and visionary behind REM5, a group of immersive technology companies focused on the AR and VR space.  From his early fascination, to leading a pioneering immersive technology company, Amir discusses the transformative power of virtual rea...

On this episode, we chat with screenwriter, Wenonah Wilms. We talk about what it was like to work as a writer on season 4 of True Detective, her feelings on working within the Hollywood system, winning the prestigious Nicholl Fellowship, and what it’s like to work from home in Minnesota. We also get into how she found her voice as a writer, the trials and tribulations of the industry, working for...

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Matt Schwandt, the visionary co-founder and president of Bauhaus Brew Labs. Located in the heart of Northeast Minneapolis, Bauhaus Brew Labs stands out not just as a personal favorite but as an internationally acclaimed brewery, boasting numerous accolades, including numerous World Beer Cup awards. Join us for a candid discussion with Matt about taki...

In this episode of Propellant Minnesota, Carly Lassegard shares her amazing journey from a quick Craigslist job search to eventually becoming an important creative executive at Netflix responsible for some of the most popular content on the platform.  She talks about the trials and tribulations of working at such a dynamic world-changing company, her role in pushing true crime documentaries to the...

In this episode of Propellant Minnesota, we sit down with Zoran Mojsilov, a truth-telling sculptor whose journey took him from Serbia to Paris, and finally to Minnesota. Transitioning from his early days as a wrestler to becoming a renowned sculptor, Zoran shares how the disciplines of sport influenced his artistry in working with stone, wood, and steel. He opens up about the challenges and victor...

Join us in this episode of "Propellant Minnesota," where host Matt Osterman engages in a conversation with Oscar Oboza, a renowned colorist in the film and commercial industry. The conversation starts with the big picture look at what a colorist does and then Oscar delves deep into the nuances of color grading, sharing insights from his career including work on well-known film, documenta...

In this episode of Propellant Minnesota, we explore the multifaceted world of Lily Rains, an accomplished actor, director, and advocate. Lily shares her journey from the bustling film and tv scene of Los Angeles to the creative landscape of the Twin Cities, diving into the challenges and rewards of her career. She discusses her passionate advocacy for union rights, her role in fostering safe and i...

Join us in this episode of Propellant Minnesota as we sit down with Craig Rice, a visionary in Minnesota's film and music industries. Craig shares his unique journey, from working closely with Prince and helping launch the iconic Paisley Park, to directing legends like Mavis Staples and producing the acclaimed Gordon Parks documentary. He delves into his experiences of championing and program...

In Episode 8 of Propellant Minnesota, we're joined by the exceptionally talented April Garland, a locally renowned makeup and FX artist in the world of TV and film. April shares her fascinating journey, starting with her first major on-set job on the a legendary Indiana Jones film set, and dives into the intricate - and often complicated  - world of film makeup artistry. In this episode, Apri...

Toussaint Morrison is not just a successful actor, creator, and musician, but a fervent voice for education, social justice, and equality. Toussaint's story is a testament to the power of unwavering conviction. In a raw and revealing conversation, he discusses turning down roles, his musical ventures that echo the voices of the unheard, and his courageous stand against racial inequities in pu...