How do you break into the film and television industry? What is it actually like to work in the world of Hollywood casting? How do actors make a living?

Today’s guest is Daniel Schwab—an Emmy-nominated casting professional based in Los Angeles, California. His work includes shows on Netflix, Amazon, NBC, Fox, and Apple TV. Before moving to LA, Daniel had extensive experience as an actor in regional theatre stages across his home state of Florida.

In my conversation with Daniel, he takes us along on his journey from acting in regional theatre to scoring his first Emmy nomination for his work in casting on Apple TV’s Shrinking.

But the reality wasn’t all glitz and glamour.

In this episode, Daniel gives a helpful reality check to aspiring actors, breaks down what it’s actually like to be a casting professional in Hollywood, and shares advice for those hoping to join the industry. Along the way, you’ll hear how he defines success as a creative, when he knew it was the right time to move to LA, and what’s in store for him next.

Note: We mention the acronym “PBA” a few times throughout the episode. That’s a reference to our alma mater, Palm Beach Atlantic University, where both Daniel and I went to college.

Daniel mentioned his latest work on the new season of NCIS, which premieres Tuesday, October 6 on CBS. And catch his Emmy-nominated work on Season 3 of Shrinking on Apple TV.

🔗 Connect with Daniel:

Instagram

✉️ Sign up for Taylor’s email list to receive writing and creative tips and news about upcoming releases here.

📚 Find all of Taylor’s books and stories here.

The Creative Life with Taylor is an engaging, thoughtful podcast hosted by award-winning author and designer Taylor Thomas Smythe that explores creative journeys over a lifetime, dives deep into the creative process, and inspires listeners to unlock their own creativity and potential in their life now. With guests from a wide array of disciplines and media, listeners will walk away inspired to build a creative life with confidence.

The Creative Life with Taylor is a production of Lamplight Universe.

https://www.lamplightuniverse.com/

How do you become a songwriter even if you didn’t grow up having that interest nurtured? How does a song come into being? And how do songwriters and producers collaborate to create new music?

Today’s guest is Emily Blaylock—a singer-songwriter based in Lake Worth Beach, Florida. She released her latest EP, Ceiling is Sky, earlier this year.

In my conversation with Emily, she takes us behind the scenes of her latest collection of songs.

But, believe it or not, she didn’t always know she wanted to be singer and songwriter.

In this episode, Emily gives us a glimpse into the journey of discovering singing and songwriting in adulthood, and the bumpy path it took to get there.

Along the way, you’ll hear about how she writes songs that capture feelings, the ways she collaborates with other artists, and how she’s built a local community where songwriters share their work.

🎧 Emily’s Music:

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Music

Lyric Videos on YouTube

✉️Sign up for Taylor’s email list to receive writing and creative tips and news about upcoming releases here.

✍️Get Taylor’s free writing and creative resources here.

📚Find all of Taylor’s books and stories here.

The Creative Life with Taylor is an engaging, thoughtful podcast hosted by award-winning author and designer Taylor Thomas Smythe that explores creative journeys over a lifetime, dives deep into the creative process, and inspires listeners to unlock their own creativity and potential in their life now. With guests from a wide array of disciplines and media, listeners will walk away inspired to build a creative life with confidence.

The Creative Life with Taylor is a production of Lamplight Universe.

https://www.lamplightuniverse.com/

What does it take to pivot to a new creative career after college? How do creatives incorporate and pursue their many different interests? How do artists prioritize their ideas so they can focus their energy on what matters most?

Today’s guest is animator and music producer David Urbinati—an animator, motion designer, and music producer based in Lakeland, Florida. David is the owner and director of a boutique storytelling studio called Rocket Powered Milk Truck. In his spare time, he explores photography and film.

In my conversation with David, he’ll take us through his journey—from learning classical violin to teaching himself skills in animation and music production.

But his path wasn’t always a clear or linear one.

In this episode, you’ll hear how David pivoted from his degree in mechanical engineering to pursue a career in motion graphics, how his fascination with problem-solving led him to explore film and photography, and how heartbreak propelled him into writing and producing music.

👀Find David’s Work:

David’s Instagram

David’s Website

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Music

✉️ Sign up for Taylor’s email list to receive writing and creative tips and news about upcoming releases here.

📚 Find all of Taylor’s books and stories here.

The Creative Life with Taylor is an engaging, thoughtful podcast hosted by award-winning author and designer Taylor Thomas Smythe that explores creative journeys over a lifetime, dives deep into the creative process, and inspires listeners to unlock their own creativity and potential in their life now. With guests from a wide array of disciplines and media, listeners will walk away inspired to build a creative life with confidence.

The Creative Life with Taylor is a production of Lamplight Universe.

https://www.lamplightuniverse.com/