Mischief and Mastery

What makes a story resonate—and what’s the cost of writing one that doesn’t play it safe? In this episode, Jennie McMurtry joins Mishu to talk about screenwriting in the indie world, from crafting hi…

What happens when you stop trying to be Wes Anderson and start figuring out what’s actually yours to say? In this episode, filmmaker, writer and editor Kyle Leland Cullerton joins Mishu for a refresh…

What does it mean to direct with care in an industry that often forgets its people? In this episode, George Ellzey Jr. joins Mishu for an unflinching and heartfelt conversation about navigating burno…

What does it mean to chase a joke without losing yourself? In this episode, Rey Tang—a Chicago-based writer, photographer, filmmaker, and performer—joins Mishu for a conversation about finding her co…

What if you stopped waiting for permission and started thinking like a studio? In this episode, Remsy Atassi—a Chicago-based Syrian-American filmmaker—joins Mishu for a grounded, no-nonsense talk abo…

What happens when you stop writing what’s expected—and start composing like yourself? In this episode, Tim Corpus shares what it means to develop a creative voice you can actually recognize in your o…

What happens when you chase the adrenaline of live performance—and find yourself building a whole second life? In this episode, Jorge Salas joins Mishu to talk about getting into acting later than mo…

What if the most meaningful thing you ever made wasn’t your biggest show—but the space you created for someone else to play? In this episode, Alex Rembold talks about leaving a soul-crushing job to s…

What does it mean to call yourself an actor before the industry gives you permission? In this episode, Madelynn Wierda talks about navigating the awkward in-between of student and professional, how s…

What if the point of a story wasn’t conflict—but something more subtle, more layered, and more human? In this episode, award-winning director and producer Donald Conley joins Mishu to talk about the …

What does it look like to grow into a role you didn’t expect to take on—and do it with someone who trusts you, even before you trust yourself? In this episode, Cassidy Tee and Kristina Mercado talk a…

Emma Palizza has stopped waiting for permission—and she’s not dragging a boulder uphill just to be "seen." In this episode, she talks candidly about leaving the Chicago theater grind, recalibrating h…

Before you hit play, go watch Sleepwalking—a surreal, floating, time-bending music video Shane directed for Mario McClean: Watch here. Then come back and hear how it came together—one melted phone pr…

What if the most powerful creative move you made was choosing to pause? In this episode, Elissa Wolf unpacks the subtle and often overlooked moments that shape her approach to theater—whether she’s i…

Why wait until everything’s perfect to start something new? In this episode, Armin Korsos shares how saying yes now—even before you’re “ready”—can spark organic growth, community, and career-shifting…

What happens when you get everything you asked for—and it still doesn’t feel great? In this episode, Jon Silver talks candidly about navigating the tail end of a feature film rollout, the unexpected …

So much of the film industry is shrouded in secrecy—and Imani Davis is here to crack it open. In this episode, we talk about her podcast Players as well as what happens after you make the movie: the …

Creativity is messy, unpredictable, and full of sharp turns. Mischief & Mastery with Mishu Hilmy brings you real conversations with artists, filmmakers, and fearless makers who wrestle with doubt, ch…