Actual People

Chauncey Zalkin
  • 5.0 (7)
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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. 

  1. S3E5 - Art Required: Feeling, Creativity, and the Brain

    APR 7

    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 olde burnout, stress, and cognitive limits; grad school stimulation and time to rest.Reflecting on how grad school is reshaping my processing of people and situations.How the latest victorious lawsuit gives us a win over algorithm madness.What neuroaesthetics is and where it comes from  How sensory environments (light, sound, texture, space) affect stress and wellbeing  The gap between what we think we need and what our body is trying to tell us Why creativity gets conditioned out of people early  How this connects to mental health, learning, and daily life Please hit subscribe and find me on YT and TikTok too where I'm particularly active these slowwwerrrr days of the podcast. Stick with me! - Chauncey Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen. Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (; Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel. Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes. We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line. Actual People, a Podcast www.chaunceyzalkin.com

    40 min
  2. S3E4 - No Glitter in the Sh**t: A story of rewiring your life and finding redemption

    JAN 13

    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 everything from the culture of greed in the '80s and '90s, to the mental and emotional toll that financial crimes can take, and how Richard transformed his life after serving time in prison. In true Actual People fashion, this episode explores the psychology of transition and the emotional and psychological processes of overcoming adversity. Richard doesn't sugarcoat anything (hence, "no glitter in the shit"), and speaks honestly about the mistakes he made, the consequences, and how he rebuilt his life after losing it all. We also dive into the nature of greed and its impact on both individuals and society. It's not all about hedonistic histories. We also touch on the importance of male friendships, loyalty, and the bonds that hold us together through life’s toughest moments. Get ready for an episode that’s raw, reflective, and ultimately inspiring—showing that even the most difficult journeys can lead to personal growth and positive change. In This Episode: Richard’s story of working at Stratton Oakmont and committing financial crimesReflections on the '80s and '90s Wall Street culture of greed and excessThe psychological toll of living a life of self-indulgence and the consequences of those actionsRedemption and resilience after prisonThe importance of male friendships and loyaltyAI, technology, and its role in shaping our futureWhat we can learn from the mistakes of others and how to move forwardKey Moments: [06:15] The culture of greed and excess in the '80s and '90s[12:00] Richard's journey from Wall Street success to prison[28:30] Male friendships and the bonds that hold us together in tough times[45:00] Reflections on AI and its potential to shape our futureListen now to inspire reflection on how you can rewire your life and find redemption, no matter what the past holds.  Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen. Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (; Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel. Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes. We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line. Actual People, a Podcast www.chaunceyzalkin.com

    37 min
  3. S3E3 - How to Trust Your Gut

    12/17/2025

    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 Consulting by Paper + Screen. Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (; Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel. Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes. We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line. Actual People, a Podcast www.chaunceyzalkin.com

    12 min
  4. S3E2 - Optimization Fatigue and the Search for What’s Real

    10/08/2025

    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 Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen. Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (; Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel. Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes. We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line. Actual People, a Podcast www.chaunceyzalkin.com

    47 min
  5. S3E1 - The Mother’s Name

    09/11/2025

    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 journey from ghostwriting to her own voiceGuest: Cindy DiTiberio — writer, former HarperCollins editor, pens the popular newsletter The Mother Lode, on Substack. Other Mentions and Resources : The House of Mirth (book) by Edith WhartonNightbitch (novel & film) Fresh Starts Registry, support for divorce and major life resetsAmbition Monster (book) MDMA-assisted therapy (trauma processing in a therapeutic setting)(Amazon links are affiliate links and a great way to support this podcast!) Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen. Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (; Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel. Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes. We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line. Actual People, a Podcast www.chaunceyzalkin.com

    51 min
  6. S2E19 - An End to Stupid Work

    07/02/2025

    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: Transforming the Daily Grind in the Quest for a Better Life Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time  (These are affiliate links. Support our podcast!) Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen. Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (; Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel. Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes. We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line. Actual People, a Podcast www.chaunceyzalkin.com

    26 min
  7. S2E18 - Running VFX at a Major Studio and the Future of Visual Storytelling

    05/29/2025

    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 by Paper + Screen. Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (; Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel. Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes. We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line. Actual People, a Podcast www.chaunceyzalkin.com

    45 min
  8. S2E17 - Elite Women’s Networks: Do They Work?

    05/16/2025

    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/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen. Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (; Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel. Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes. We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line. Actual People, a Podcast www.chaunceyzalkin.com

    39 min
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About

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Chauncey Zalkin
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Actual People
  • Show Website
    Actual People