Balancing Acts Podcast

Michele Wilson has built her career in high-pressure television environments, from Oprah and nightly news to the 2008 Democratic National Convention and nationally syndicated talk programming. Shes worked on large scale social impact projects like One Nation One Project. Her focus now is developing culturally rich programs like Made In Italia and Cocktails & Bites. She also leads her own produ...

What does it really take to build a lasting career in filmmaking? In Episode 11 of Balancing Acts, Roy Wanguhu sits down with filmmaker, director, and cinematographer Khamisi Norwood for an honest conversation about creativity, perseverance, and building a body of work that lasts. Khamisi shares how a seventh-grade writing assignment sparked his passion for filmmaking, his journey from Oakland to...

In Episode 10 of Balancing Acts, Roy Wanguhu sits down with executive producer Lathan Hodge for a deep conversation about storytelling, Hollywood, media evolution, and surviving decades in the entertainment industry. From working in Chicago newsrooms and producing at BET to selling scripts, launching syndicated television, and navigating the future of AI and digital storytelling, Lathan shares inv...

Earned Not Given. In Episode 9 of Balancing Acts, Roy Wanguhu sits down with filmmaker Keston to talk about building a filmmaking career from the ground up — through trial, collaboration, and years of earned experience. From learning storytelling at Pixar University, navigating the early days of YouTube-era content, and landing long-term clients, to evolving his creative philosophy and redefining...

Cinematographer Jason Joseffer joins host Roy Wanguhu to reflect on nearly two decades as a DP in San Francisco. From high school cable access TV and film studies at UC Santa Cruz to news cameraman work and a traditional AC path, Jason shares how closely studying DPs shaped his eye and career. He dives into his camera journey from the Panasonic HVX200 and Canon 7D to the RED SCARLET family and how...

Photographer and director Alexis Cuaresma joins the show to break down why photography is 90–95% about people, not gear. He shares how he overcame shyness, learned to champion his own work, and built confidence by tackling technical weaknesses head-on. A pivotal moment photographing Floyd Mayweather erased his stage fright and prepared him for fast, high-pressure shoots with A-list talent for clie...

In Episode 6 of Balancing Acts, host Roy Wanguhu sits down with filmmaker, documentarian, and AI innovator Kevin Kunze to explore how truth, technology, and storytelling collide. From filming on his dad’s S-VHS camera at age 6 to creating global-impact documentaries like Mobilize, Kevin shares how filmmaking can challenge industries, spark legislation, and shift public awareness. His work spans ce...

In this episode, filmmaker Evan Lee shares his journey from darkroom photography to leading high-tech productions in the Bay Area. With a background in cinematography, audio, directing, and drone operation, Evan discusses how his passion for technology shapes his filmmaking approach. He opens up about his work on corporate interviews, short-form projects, and the documentary series Meet the Produc...

What do West Side Story, combat cameras, and Tubi films have in common? 🎥   In this episode of Balancing Acts Podcast, host Roy Wanguhu sits down with Ben Dennis, a Bay Area cinematographer and artist, to explore his remarkable journey, from serving in the military’s combat camera unit to building a career in independent filmmaking.   Ben opens up about: ⚡ The realities of indie filmmaking and T...

🎬 Balancing Acts: Passion. Pixels. Resilience. In this episode, cinematographer DeKeydrick Curry (DK) shares his journey from Memphis to the big screen. From childhood storytelling with toys and quoting movie lines with his dad, to navigating film school struggles, first feature experiences, and building resilience through community, DK’s story is one of persistence, creativity, and vision.   Hea...

What happens when a Division I athlete trades the basketball court for the film set?   🎬 In this episode, Roy Wanguhu sits down with Brittany, a documentary filmmaker who turned her sports background into a powerful foundation for storytelling.   Brittany opens up about the lessons she carried from athletics, teamwork, adaptability, leadership, and how they shaped her craft as a cinematographer i...

🎬 Balancing Acts – Episode 1 | Noah Stout: Mastering the Balance   In this debut episode of Balancing Acts, we sit down with cinematographer Noah Stout to explore the art of balancing a thriving creative career with personal life. From the challenges of life on set to the quiet moments that keep him grounded, Noah shares candid insights, lessons learned, and the mindset that helps him stay focuse...