KUCI: Get the Funk Out

4/29/19 @9:15am pst - Janeane spoke with author Renee Rosen about her historical novel PARK AVENUE SUMMER (April 30, 2019)

Everyone knows the name Helen Gurley Brown, Cosmopolitan’s famous Editor-in-Chief and the inspiration for fictional NYC women like Carrie Bradshaw, Peggy Olson, and Hannah Horvath. A new novel set in 1960s New York sheds light on the surprisingly tumultuous beginning of Gurley Brown’s 32-year reign at Cosmo, including how she kept the lights on at the magazine even as she was railroaded by Hearst executives.
When Gurley Brown took the reins in 1965, she was best known as the author of the controversial Sex and the Single Girl, and was viewed as an unbecoming choice to lead a magazine with a rich literary history. But the changes she brought—from sexy covers featuring young women to grabby headlines that were the precursor to clickbait—turned Como’s fortunes around and revolutionized women’s magazines.
The story of those early months is told through the eyes of Gurley Brown’s fictional assistant, in Renee Rosen’s historical novel PARK AVENUE SUMMER (April 30, 2019). Informed by Rosen’s extensive research—including interviews with Lois Cahall, who considered Helen her second mother—the novel contains irresistible details only those closest to Helen would know.
ABOUT
Mad Men meets The Devil Wears Prada as Renée Rosen draws readers into the glamour of 1965 New York City and Cosmopolitan Magazine, where a brazen new Editor-in-Chief--Helen Gurley Brown--shocks America by daring to talk to women about all things off limits...
New York City is filled with opportunities for single girls like Alice Weiss who leaves her small Midwestern town to chase her big city dreams and unexpectedly lands the job of a lifetime working for Helen Gurley Brown, the first female Editor-in-Chief of a then failing Cosmopolitan Magazine.
Nothing could have prepared Alice for the world she enters as editors and writers resign on the spot, refusing to work for the woman who wrote the scandalous bestseller, Sex and the Single Girl. While confidential memos, article ideas, and cover designs keep finding their way into the wrong hands, someone tries to pull Alice into this scheme to sabotage her boss. But Alice remains loyal and becomes all the more determined to help Helen succeed. As pressure mounts at the magazine and Alice struggles to make her way in New York, she quickly learns that in Helen Gurley Brown's world, a woman can demand to have it all.

4/29/19 @9am pst - Producer Alison Reid and Dr. Anne Innis Dagg joined host Janeane Bernstein to talk about their new documentary The Woman Who Loves ...

Paul Zimic and Alison Reid are the producers of the new documentary THE WOMAN WHO LOVES GIRAFFES is screening at The Newport Beach FF
ABOUT
Our award-winning film is about a trailblazing scientist who overcame every obstacle she faced on her pioneering journey to study giraffes in South Africa in the ’50’s - but was unable to overcome gender discrimination in academia. This is the uplifting story of her re-discovery.
They just won Best Documentary and the Audience Award at the Sonoma International FF and the Audience Award at the Sebastopol Documentary FF.
The Woman Who Loves Giraffes - Trailer
The Woman Who Loves Giraffes - Website
TheWomanWhoLovesGiraffes.com
Twitter.com/AnneDaggMovie
– Poignant documentary about pioneering zoologist, women’s activist,
and author Dr. Anne Innis Dagg –
“…fine storytelling, combining ecology and social-justice issues while focusing on a woman ahead of her times” – Toronto Star
“A must-see doc about one of Canada’s greatest scientists” – POV Magazine
(Anne Innis Dagg and giraffe at Brookfield Zoo, Chicago 2016. Photo: Elaisa Vargas)
TORONTO (April 2, 2019) – Following a successful theatrical run and sold-out film festival screenings across Canada –the critically acclaimed feature documentary THE WOMAN WHO LOVES GIRAFFES bowed at the Sonoma International Film Festival taking home Best Documentary Feature and the Audience Award for Best Documentary. Just prior to winning these awards, the filmmakers signed an exclusive distribution agreement with leading worldwide distributer, Off the Fence.
THE WOMAN WHO LOVES GIRAFFES re-traces the trail-blazing journey of Dr. Anne Innis Dagg, who in 1956, at only 23 years old, became the first person in the world to scientifically research the behaviour of an animal in the wilds of Africa, four years before Jane Goodall ventured into the world of chimpanzees and seven years before Dian Fossey left to work with mountain gorillas. The documentary offers an intimate account of her life as a young woman through personal correspondence and original 16mm film, juxtaposed with a first-hand look at the devastating reality that giraffes are facing today.
The film explores the insurmountable barriers Dagg faced as a female biologist whose research findings ultimately became the foundation for many scientists following in her footsteps. Though her pioneering efforts were groundbreaking, upon her return to Canada, her career as a professor was destroyed when she applied for tenure at the University of Guelph in the 1970s and was denied. It was the catalyst that transformed Dagg into a feminist activist.
The film’s impact on audiences led to the University issuing a rare apology to Dagg last month, delivered by Dr. Jonathan Newman, Dean of the College of Biological Science (CBS), which “recognized and confronted errors of the past” and confirmed that the University of Guelph has become a “more respectful, diverse, and equitable place to work” since that time. Dr. Newman announced the creation of the Dr. Anne Innis Dagg Summer Research Scholarship in “recognition of her pioneering research on, and significant contributions to, the study of giraffe,” to be awarded annually to one female undergraduate student majoring in either Zoology or Biodoversity.
The exclusive worldwide distribution deal was negotiated by the film’s Executive Producer, Paul Zimic and Off the Fence Head of Acquisitions, Loren Syer-Willoughby. Off the Fence will launch the film at the upcoming MIPTV market in Cannes later this month. Syer-Willoughby says, "We have been tracking this project for quite some time now. The overall story was a perfect fit for Off the Fence. The team worked so hard to deliver such a beautiful documentary with not only heart, humour but also a strong conservation message. Anne Dagg is an absolute inspiration, which I think will resonate with audiences around the world. Her pioneering work in the early days of giraffe research makes her one of the key players we will always turn to when we think of giraffes. "
THE WOMAN WHO LOVES GIRAFFES is directed and written by Alison Reid and produced by Joanne Jackson and Alison Reid. Executive Producer is Paul Zimic. The documentary features the voices of Tatiana Maslany, Victor Garber, David Chinchilla, and Lindsay Leese who read letters written by young Anne, Anne’s husband, Ian Dagg, and Anne’s mother, Mary Quayle Innis.
The film was made with the participation of Ontario Creates Film Fund, Telefilm Canada and the Rogers Group of Funds through the Theatrical Documentary Program, the Rogers Documentary Fund, KinoSmith Inc., and Rogers Telefund. It is a Bell Media/Crave Original Documentary.
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4/22/19 @9:30am pst - Writer/Director Roxanne Benjamin joined host Janeane on KUCI 88.9fm

Magnolia Pictures will release BODY AT BRIGHTON ROCK in theaters and On Demand on April 26
Watch the Official Trailer:
https://youtu.be/pXww9NuqUDU
Written and Directed by Roxanne Benjamin
Produced by Roxanne Benjamin, Christopher Alender, David A. Smith
Starring Karina Fontes, Casey Adams, Emily Althaus, Miranda Bailey, Martin Spanjers, and John Getz
ABOUT
Wendy, a part-time summer employee at a mountainous state park, takes on a rough trail assignment at the end of the season, trying to prove to her friends that she’s capable enough to do the job. When she takes a wrong turn and ends up deep in the backcountry, she stumbles upon what might be a potential crime scene. Stuck with no communication after losing her radio and with orders to guard the site, Wendy must fight the urge to run and do the harder job of staying put — spending the night deep in the wilderness, facing down her worst fears and proving to everyone - including herself - that she’s made of stronger stuff than they think she is.

4/22/19 @9:15am pst - Bryan Jackson, Digital Filmmaking | Continuing Lecturer UC IRVINE | CLAIRE TREVOR SCHOOL OF THE ARTS | joined host Janeane o...

UC Irvine's Bryan Jackson joins Janeane to talk about the UCI Collegiate Showcase at the Newport Beach Film Fest.
SCREENING INFO
1:15PM Saturday April 27
Starlight Triangle Square Cinemas, Costa Mesa, CA
TICKETS/NBFF PROGRAM PAGE:
https://newportbeachfilmfest.com/event/university-of-california-irvine/
www.digifilmuci.com
"DigiFilm is the hub for creative film production at UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts. Our courses challenge students to put critical thinking and technical skill into action. The curriculum is a model of what it means to be a working film artist."
ABOUT BRYAN JACKSON
Bryan Jackson
Continuing Lecturer
Digital Filmmaking + Digital Arts
MFA, University of California, Los Angeles
BRYAN JACKSON is a interdisciplinary artist working in Los Angeles. His self-portrait video Softly (2007) employs dolls as actors staged on miniature, handcrafted sets and features music created by his collaborator, the Tokyo-based composer Yoshizawa Eiji.
Haircut (2004), written and directed by Jackson and features James Kyson Lee (NBC’s Heroes) won the Jury Prize for Best Experimental Film at New Orleans’ Reel Identity Film Festival, and was named Best Experimental Short at Cinekink New York. The film was shot entirely in first-person with a surveillance camera mounted to the forehead of its protagonist. Haircut has screened as an official selection at 41 international film festivals.
Jackson earned his MFA studying Theater Directing and Experimental Film at the University of California Los Angeles. As a theater director he has staged works by Jean Genet, E.E. Cummings, and Naomi Wallace. Jackson produced video installations for the premiere of Long Beach Opera’s Downtown Opera Project. In 2007, he had his New York gallery premiere at Alexander Gray Associates. In 2006, he co-produced video installations for LACMA Lab’s ‘Consider This…’ with artist Bruce Yonemoto. As a member of ASCAP, his writing credits include lyrics on albums for the Japanese band Scudelia Electro, and are featured on the Sony/NHK-1 anime King of Thieves: Jing.
Jackson has taught acting and directing at UCLA, and video-making at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc), and the San Francisco Art Institute.

4/22/19 @9:00am Sslimegirls joined host Janeane Bernstein to talk about her up-coming SLIME BONANZA 4!

Date And Time
Sun, April 28, 2019, 11:00 AM PDT
Add to Calendar
Location
The District at Tustin Legacy
2437 Park Avenue
Tustin, CA 92782
About Slime Bonanza 4:
A slime convention hosted by Squishintime and Sslimegirls! You will have the opportunity to meet and purchase slime and merchandise from some of your favorite VIP slimers and rising slimers. Trade slime with other slime accounts and friends, play games with VIP slimers, participate in Q & A with VIP slimers, and more!
During the convention, VIP slimers will have time for demonstrations, Q & A/games. The schedule for the times and content of time on stage will be available on @socalslimebonanza on Instagram soon!
Be sure to stop by Slimers Corner to make new friends and to trade slime!

4/15/19 @9:45am pst - Filmmaker Pat McGee is live on KUCI 88.9fm with host Janeane talking about shooting the documentary AMERICAN RELAPSE and how he ...

"The biggest challenge as a filmmaker was realizing there is a fine line between humanity and exploitation. Each time someone shoots up they could overdose and die. This is as real as it gets, people are overdosing and dying at alarming rates. We wanted the doc to speak the truth, and to start an honest conversation about what's really happening in the streets. In order to do that you need to document and not produce. As a filmmaker I needed to understand what I'm okay with, can I accept the responsibility when someone dies in front of me because I did not prevent them from sticking a needle full of fentanyl in their vein. Documenting the heroin epidemic is tantamount to reporting from the frontlines of a war...people die, are you willing to get out of your comfort zone to document the truth?" - Pat McGee
AMERICAN RELAPSE
Drug overdoses killed more Americans last year than the Vietnam War.
Recovering addicts Frankie and Allie spend their lives helping other addicts, but can they stay clean themselves?
AMERICAN RELAPSE is a feature documentary about the ripped-from-the-headlines heroin epidemic and the corrupt underground rehab industry that has sprung up around it in Southern Florida.
THE AWARD-WINNING FILM THAT INSPIRED VICELAND'S HIT SERIES ‘DOPESICK NATION’
OPENING IN LA & NY ON MARCH 29
AVAILABLE ON DIGITAL ON APRIL 2
Best Feature Documentary, Rhode Island International Film Festival
Best Feature Documentary, Alexandria Film Fest
MINT Spirit Award (Top Festival Prize), Montana International Film Festival
Best Feature Documentary, Laughlin International Film Festival
Best Feature Documentary, Mammoth Film Festival
Best Feature Documentary, Other Venice Film Festival
Social Awareness Award, Orlando Film Festival
Recovering addicts Frankie and Allie spend their lives helping other addicts, but can they stay clean themselves?
AMERICAN RELAPSE tells the story of two people fighting to make a difference against the devastating heroin epidemic that’s spawning a billion-dollar treatment industry. Against the odds, in an “Us vs. the World” mentality, two recovering addicts spend their lives pulling needles out of the arms of addicts and assist in placing them in reputable treatment facilities. The film features Frankie and Allie who live and work in Delray Beach, Florida, the Rehab Capital of America, now referred to by some as the Relapse Capital of America. They allowed the film crew all access for one weekend. What transpires over 72 hours is not only captivating and raw, but a heartbreaking rollercoaster ride.
Frankie is 38 and has relapsed multiple times but continues to operate his F*ck Heroin Foundation with his mother. Allie is 28 and has been clean and sober for 10 years. While they are at different points on the recovery spectrum, they both share a deep belief in the 12th step: helping others. These unlikely and imperfect heroes opened their lives for the world to see, hoping to shine a light anywhere and any way they can. In the process, they show viewers and addicts alike that despite seemingly impossible odds and devastating damage, empathy and hope can restore a little bit of humanity to those who struggle and can sometimes save their lives.
AMERICAN RELAPSE is directed by Pat McGee and Adam Linkenhelt, and is produced by Pat McGee Pictures in association with Sorted Pictures and Next Up Productions. Executive producers include Pat McGee and Stacy McPeak for Pat McGee Pictures, Ian and Jaime Manheimer of Next Up Productions and producers Terry Hahin and Adam Linkenhelt for sorted Pictures. The film has a running time of 105 minutes and will not be rated by the MPAA.
Pat McGee Pictures will release the film in Los Angeles and New York exclusively for one week beginning March 29. The film will screen at the Laemmle Monica Film Center in Los Angeles and Cinema Village in New York City.
Gravitas Ventures will distribute the film on VOD beginning April 2nd. Among the many platforms include iTunes, Google Play, Vimeo, and Amazon.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/american-relapse/id1451031005
To view the trailer, go to: https://vimeo.com/309928484
For more information, go to: www.americanrelapse.com
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4/15/19 9:30am pst - Award-winning author Marc Graham joins host Janeane live on KUCI 88.9fm
CASTLE ROCK, CO—Award-winning author Marc Graham creates a fresh tale that weaves history and legend in Song of Songs: A Novel of the Queen of Sheba (April 16, 2019, Blank Slate Press). Using the newest archaeological finds and linguistic research, Graham constructs an accurate depiction of the Middle East in Old Testament times while bringing to light an important but rarely touched upon historical figure.
Lift the veil of legend for the untold story of Makeda, the Queen of Sheba, and Bathsheba, wife and mother of Israel’s first kings. When Makeda comes of age she inherits what her father has left behind. Her city is on the brink of destruction as a crumbling dam threatens to wash away everything that Makeda has known. Graham’s characters explore the idea of familial honor in times of cultural disruption, their individual paths in light of their strong mythic beliefs, and to give voice to powerful women in history often neglected.
Award-winning author Marc Graham dives into a much glossed over historical figure in Song of Songs: A Novel of the Queen of Sheba (Blank Slate Press, April 16, 2019). Using the latest archaeological findings and linguistic research, Graham constructs an accurate depiction of the Old Testament Middle East to revive the untold story of Makeda, the Queen of Sheba, and Bathsheba, wife and mother of Israel’s first kings.
In an interview, Marc Graham discusses:
>The most recent archeological and linguistic research that led him to write Makeda’s story
>The current crisis in Yemen, Makeda’s homeland, and his partnership with Zakat Foundation of America
>His background as an award-winning author and how storytelling can be a tool to broaden perspectives and transform lives
>His use of Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Ethiopian, and Masonic myths for this non-traditional retelling of the Queen of Sheba’s story
>How the shift from matriarchal polytheism to patriarchal monotheism changed our view of history
>The importance of story, myth, and lore to social development
>The power of myth in the #MeToo era
Marc is pledging half of the book's proceeds to Yemen humanitarian relief and is partnering with the Zakat Foundation of America who will be matching his funds.

4/15/19 9:30am pst - Award-winning author Marc Graham joins host Janeane live on KUCI 88.9fm

CASTLE ROCK, CO—Award-winning author Marc Graham creates a fresh tale that weaves history and legend in Song of Songs: A Novel of the Queen of Sheba (April 16, 2019, Blank Slate Press). Using the newest archaeological finds and linguistic research, Graham constructs an accurate depiction of the Middle East in Old Testament times while bringing to light an important but rarely touched upon historical figure.
Lift the veil of legend for the untold story of Makeda, the Queen of Sheba, and Bathsheba, wife and mother of Israel’s first kings. When Makeda comes of age she inherits what her father has left behind. Her city is on the brink of destruction as a crumbling dam threatens to wash away everything that Makeda has known. Graham’s characters explore the idea of familial honor in times of cultural disruption, their individual paths in light of their strong mythic beliefs, and to give voice to powerful women in history often neglected.
Award-winning author Marc Graham dives into a much glossed over historical figure in Song of Songs: A Novel of the Queen of Sheba (Blank Slate Press, April 16, 2019). Using the latest archaeological findings and linguistic research, Graham constructs an accurate depiction of the Old Testament Middle East to revive the untold story of Makeda, the Queen of Sheba, and Bathsheba, wife and mother of Israel’s first kings.
In an interview, Marc Graham discusses:
>The most recent archeological and linguistic research that led him to write Makeda’s story
>The current crisis in Yemen, Makeda’s homeland, and his partnership with Zakat Foundation of America
>His background as an award-winning author and how storytelling can be a tool to broaden perspectives and transform lives
>His use of Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Ethiopian, and Masonic myths for this non-traditional retelling of the Queen of Sheba’s story
>How the shift from matriarchal polytheism to patriarchal monotheism changed our view of history
>The importance of story, myth, and lore to social development
>The power of myth in the #MeToo era
Marc is pledging half of the book's proceeds to Yemen humanitarian relief and is partnering with the Zakat Foundation of America who will be matching his funds.
Marc Graham was raised in Michigan before attending Rice University in Texas, where he studied mechanical engineering. After spending several years traveling the country with his wife, he eventually landed in Colorado where he lives along the Rocky Mountains. His first novel, Of Ashes and Dust, won the Paul Gillette Memorial Writing Contest and National Writers Association Manuscript Contest. Graham is an actor, speaker, story coach, shamanic practitioner, and whisky aficionado. When not on stage, in a pub, or bound to his computer, he can be found traipsing about the foothills and mountains with his wife and their Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Learn more at https://www.marc-graham.com/.
An Interview with Marc Graham
1. What kind of research did you have to do to dig into the Queen of Sheba’s history?
Don’t tell Marie Kondo, but there was a significant expansion of my home library. I scoured recent (and some much older) books on history (both mainstream and heretical), comparative religion, and archaeology—including web sites dedicated to current excavations in Jerusalem and elsewhere. I also dug deep into the lore: Jewish, Ethiopian, Arabic, and Masonic. As it turns out, what we consider documented history begins around 500 years after the events of my story, so there were huge gaps in our knowledge that I had to fill in as best I could. I’ve tried to color within the lines of solid archaeological findings, while taking creative license with the story in between.
2. What first inspired you to write Makeda’s little known story?
I’ve known the traditional, Biblical story of the Queen of Sheba since early childhood. When I entered Freemasonry in my late 20s, I discovered a whole new lore around the building of the temple in Jerusalem. One legend in particular caught my attention, about a love triangle between King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba, and Hiram Abiff (the temple-builder). I began researching more variations on the story, and it wasn’t long before Makeda began whispering more of her story to me.
3. Could you share what you plan to do with the proceeds of the book?
I’ve identified the land of Sheba as ancient Saba, located in what is today Yemen. Where a magnificent dam once watered the desert to feed a nation, today millions of people lack food, clean water, and basic medical care. The ongoing civil war in Yemen has created what the UN considers the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, putting more than 8 million people (some figures go as high as 22 million) on the brink of starvation. To honor Makeda and her dedication to her people, I’ve pledged half of my proceeds from the book and subsidiary sales to Yemen humanitarian relief. The Zakat Foundation of America has graciously stepped in with matching funds to provide what aid we can to a war-ravaged people.
4. You went to school for Mechanical Engineering. How did you get on such a creative path of author, speaker, and story coach?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been both a storyteller and a tinkerer. On the one hand I created imaginary worlds, while on the other I took apart the objects of the real world and put them back together again—hopefully without too many leftover parts. Engineering is about creative problem-solving, identifying a need or challenge, and crafting a satisfying solution. Storytelling serves much the same function, whether the need be sheer entertainment or social change. Since many of my stories involve lost or forgotten or hidden history, I have to reverse-engineer the accepted story to get to a plausible version of “what actually happened.”
5. What do you hope people take away from Makeda’s story?
Mainly, I just want people to enjoy the 10 hours or so they’ll spend in this world, to come away richer for the experience. If there’s a larger takeaway or theme, I suppose it would be that each of us has the power to choose how we respond to our circumstances, even if we can’t control the circumstances themselves. We all have the power to change our world, whether that world extends a few blocks or around the globe. And it’s important to recognize that truth is not the story the world tells about you, or that you tell to the world—it’s the story you tell with your actions that matters.
Song of Songs brings two powerful women fighting for power and love to light that history had forgotten.

4/15/19 9:15am pst - Director/co-writer, Rick Hays, joins Janeane live on KUCI 88.9fm

Get ready to fall in love....the wrong way!
Vision Films presents the hilarious new romantic comedy,
THE WAY WE WEREN’T
Available on DVD/VOD on February 12, 2019
Vision Films, DiMuccio Entertainment Syndicate, Bella Pictures and Epic Entertainment Enterprises are delighted to present the laugh-out-loud comedy about the lies we tell for love, The Way We Weren’t. Shedding a light on the hilarity at which we change ourselves in order to make ourselves more attractive as a potential partner, this feel-good, romantic comedy directed by Rick Hays took away top honors at the 2018 Portland Comedy Film Festival with it’s refreshing, new take on the story of a mismatched couple.
Starring Fiona Gubelmann (The Good Doctor, Wilfred, One Day at a Time) and Ben Lawson (The Good Place, 13 Reasons Why, Designated Survivor) as the picture perfect, but ill-fated couple, and featuring Amber Stevens West (Greek, The Amazing Spider-Man), Keith Powell (30 Rock, Syrup), Tobin Bell (Saw, The Flash) and Alyssa Diaz (The Rookie, Ray Donovan), The Way We Weren’t tells the tale of two people meet just after their previous relationships have imploded and in an effort to make themselves more appealing, exaggerate, fib and outright lie. When they move in together, the deception unravels with the most amusing and spectacular of ways.
The Way We Weren’t will be available on DVD and VOD just in time for Valentine’s Day on February 12, 2019.
Since meeting online, Charlotte (Fiona Gubelmann) and Brandon (Ben Lawson) have fudged, padded, glossed over, reimagined, and outright lied about everything in an attempt to be each other’s perfect match. But despite overcoming all the obstacles there’s one thing their 10-day-old marriage might not survive...each other! After they said their “I dos” the fronting is about to end and they’re going to get a hilarious, hellish and surprising look at just who they’ve vowed to spend the rest of their lives with. Will familiarity breed contempt... or bliss?
Writer/producer Brian DiMuccio explains that the inspiration for The Way We Weren’t actually came from an experience he had in the early 2000’s. “We met one week before she moved to Spain for a year for work and our getting-to-know-you period wasn't unlike Charlotte and Brandon's in the movie,” he says. “We both gave into the temptation to present heavily idealized versions of ourselves that lead to some disillusionment when she moved back to LA. Our story ended badly but as they say, tragedy plus time equals comedy!”
“We hope that people come away from the film remembering that being in love, even when it's messy, maddening, and feels like a sucker-punch to the heart, is always grand!” DiMuccio continues. “And it’s infinitely better than the alternative”.
“Brandon’s problem is an inability to commit to even the simplest things in life”, Ben Lawson explains of his character. “His come-to-Jesus moment is that if he’s ever going to find happiness he needs to face this commitment phobia...and what better way to do that than to marry the next person he meets!”
“I think most people in this modern era of dating and social media can relate to having too many options and the fear of missing out on something better,” Lawson continues. “ I think it’s true that at a point you need to block out all the noise and channel your efforts into one thing, one person, one endeavor, whatever it is. In France they say “le mieux est l’ennemi du bien” The best is the enemy of the good. I think once we accept that there’s always going to be something better, that even when we achieve our goals we immediately set new ones, we can begin to enjoy what we have and allow ourselves some happiness”.
“The Way We Weren’t is the perfect romantic comedy to release on Valentine’s Day for all us who can’t seem to find the perfect match, or… maybe our “perfect” match is not perfect, and then this is what makes him or her just perfect”, says Lise Romanoff, CEO/Managing Director of Vision Films.
ORDER THE WAY WE WEREN’T
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/thewaywewerent
iTunes: http://bit.ly/TWWW-iTunes
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/thewaywewerent

4/15/19 @9:00am pst - Marc Lesser, Seven Practices of a Mindful Leader: Lesson From Google and a Zen Monastery Kitchen

As mindful leaders we can transform fear to hope and possibility, and move toward creating a life of more meaning and satisfaction.
–Marc Lesser
ABOUT THE BOOK
Seven Practices of a Mindful Leader: Lessons from Google and a Zen Monastery Kitchen
Today’s leaders are consistently grappling with the pace and complexity of change, the challenge of supporting healthy collaboration and alignment among teams, and the resulting stress and burnout. The practice of mindful leadership may be one of THE most important competencies in business today if leaders are to move beyond fear, anxiety, nagging self-doubt, and the feeling of constant overwhelm.
What could your work, and your life, look like if you knew how to stay focused yet flexible, if you got more of the right things done, and if you were helping to create a more peaceful world at the same time?
Marc Lesser has taught his proven 7-step method to leaders at Google, Genentech, SAP, Facebook, and dozens of other Fortune 500 companies for over 20 years, and has distilled a lifetime of mindfulness and business experience into these chapters. This incredibly practical, yet accessible book draws on Marc’s experience as a CEO of 3 companies, as co-founder of the world-renowned Search Inside Yourself (SIY) program within Google, and as a long-time Zen practitioner.
The principles in this book can be applied to leadership at any level, providing readers with the tools they need to shift awareness, enhance communication, build trust, eliminate fear and self-doubt, and cut down on unnecessary workplace drama.
Embracing any one of the 7 practices alone can be life-changing. When used together, they support a path of well-being, productivity, and positive influence.
Practicing mindful leadership will allow you to achieve results – with more energy, clarity, meaning, and connection. Your intentions and actions will be more aligned. You will accomplish more with less wasted effort.
After reading this book, you’ll understand why some of the world’s most successful companies routinely incorporate the 7 practices of mindful leadership, integrating mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and business savvy, to create great corporate cultures, and even a better world

4/8/19 Tim Disney chats about his latest film WILLIAM, which opens in theaters next month

Beyond being known as the great-nephew of Hollywood pioneer Walt Disney, Tim has enjoyed a dual filmmaking career as both a producer of environmentally and socially-conscious documentaries and a director (and writer) of narrative features. He served as executive producer on the documentaries “Gift of the Game,” “Racing Against the Clock,”
“A Life Among Whales,” “The Price of Sugar” and “The Last Mountain.” Disney’s feature directing credits include “A Question of Faith” (also writer), “Tempesta” and “AmericanViolet.” He is also an executive producer on “Janis,” the upcoming biopic of singer Janis Joplin starring Michelle Williams.
Star academics, Doctors Julian Reed and Barbara Sullivan, fall in love with each other and with the idea of cloning a Neanderthal from ancient DNA. Against the express directive of University administrators they follow through on this audacious idea. The result is William: the first Neanderthal to walk the earth for some 35,000 years. William tries his best to fit into the world around him. But his distinctive physical features and his unique way of thinking--his “otherness”--set him apart and provoke fear. William’s story is powerful and unique, but his struggle to find love and assert his own identity in a hostile world is universal--and timeless.
Tim has directed strictly in the independent film world as opposed to the studio system, even though his legacy last name is one of the studios. This is particularly true with WILLIAM, a coming-of-age fantasy drama which he directed and co-wrote with J.T. Allen
DIRECTOR: Tim Disney
STARRING Will Brittain, Waleed Zuaiter, Maria Dizzia, and Beth Grant
SCREENPLAY: Tim Disney, J.T. Allen
PRODUCERS: Amar Balaggan, Jonathan DuBois.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Bill Haney, Peter Newman