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by Chauncey Zalkin
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- Apr 7, 202639 min
S3E5 - Art Required: Feeling, Creativity, and the Brain
Hi there! I'm back. In this episode I sit down with Ivy Ross, Chief Design Officer at Google and co-author of Your Brain on Art (written with Susan Magsamen, Executive Director International Arts + Mind Lab Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics @ Johns Hopkins). We talk about one of my new favorite topics, neuroaesthetics (the study of how art and sensory experience affect the brain and body) and why it matters for mental health and overall quality of life. The episode covers: Ye old...
- Jan 13, 202637 min
S3E4 - No Glitter in the Sh**t: A story of rewiring your life and finding redemption
And we're back with an episode about redemption, a first hand account of a Wall Street insider's journey through prison and reinvention with reflection on the times we are living in. In this first episode of 2026, we dive deep into the life of Richard Bronson, a former Wall Street player who worked at Stratton Oakmont—made famous by the movie The Wolf of Wall Street. Richard's journey is one of redemption, resilience, and facing your mistakes head on with wisdom and empathy. We discuss everyt...
- Dec 17, 202511 min
S3E3 - How to Trust Your Gut
In light of the tragic murder of Rob Reiner and his wife, host Chauncey Zalkin explores trusting your gut when it comes to mental health, safety, and faith in your faculties. Also examined is the impact of toxic narratives on the construction of identity and perception. Addresses mindfulnessconsciousnessmental illnessinteralized narratives Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design...
- Oct 8, 202546 min
S3E2 - Optimization Fatigue and the Search for What’s Real
We’re burnt out on bettering ourselves and each other. From sleep scores to productivity hacks to scolding people, the pursuit of improvement has reached a breaking point. Host Chauncey Zalkin is joined by futurist and cultural cartographer Lynn Casey, who explains how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are redefining “better" through spiritual practice, tangible connection, do-it--with-me vs. DIY and more. Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by E...
- Sep 11, 202551 min
S3E1 - The Mother’s Name
Season 3 opens with host Chauncey Zalkin talking burnout, perfectionism in grad school, and finally giving her kids her last name. She then sits down with publishing veteran and writer Cindy DiTiberio (The Mother Lode) who talks reclaiming competence after divorce, the “math of motherhood,” the portal of 40, and what it's like to undergo MDMA therapy. Highlights: The cost of motherhood—money, labor, identityRenaissance after divorceFlipping the playbook on patriarchal milestonesCindy’s journe...
- Jul 2, 202525 min
S2E19 - An End to Stupid Work
Are we really getting work done, or just pretending en masse? We're working ourselves to death & getting little done. How do we fix it? Interview with former Washington Post reporter and director of Better Life Labs, Brigid Schulte. This episode dives into: Overwork CultureThe Behavioral Psychology of WorkThe Importance of "Real Work" vs. "Stupid Work"Systemic ChallengesWorkplace InequalityCultural Shifts and Public PolicyA Vision for the FutureGrab Brigid Schulte's Books here: Over Work:...
- May 29, 202544 min
S2E18 - Running VFX at a Major Studio and the Future of Visual Storytelling
From developing custom tools to create over 200 VFX shots on his own award-winning indie to supervising globally at major studios like DreamWorks and Sony Animation where he is now, hear Chris Browne's story and spot on advice for creativity that won't quit. Learn more about Chris here: http://www.chrisbrownedigital.com/projects.html Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting b...
- May 16, 202538 min
S2E17 - Elite Women’s Networks: Do They Work?
Are women’s networks working? What’s right about them and what can be improved? And why can't we always connect the way we intend to? Host Chauncey Zalkin reflects on these questions before diving into a conversation with Lindsay Kaplan, co-founder of the best-in-class professional women’s network, Chief, who stepped down this year. Together, they explore identity, creativity, burnout, and our role in building community. Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outr...
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About Actual People
Welcome to Actual People, an unfiltered exploration of individual and societal shifts in a world undergoing tremendous change.I open up about my own experiences in order to dive into social and cultural phenomena, positive developments, and collective pain.We look at survival, endurance, strength, triumph and despair while imagining a future with creative joy and hope.Each episode is dedicated to meaningful conversations about the evolving landscape of our lives and the power of our own creativity and imagination to make magic.
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