Creative Principles

Creative Principles Podcast

Welcome to Creative Principles, I'm your host Brock Swinson. Here I'll be speaking with writers, directors, actors, musicians and more. We'll discuss the habits, routines, and methods of a creative life.

  1. Ep714 - Oren Uziel, Creator Nicholas Cage Series, ‘Spider-Noir’

    1d ago

    Ep714 - Oren Uziel, Creator Nicholas Cage Series, ‘Spider-Noir’

    Oren Uziel is an acclaimed screenwriter and producer best known for writing the hit comedy sequel 22 JUMP STREET. His diverse filmography spans massive studio projects, including Netflix’s sci-fi thriller THE CLOVERFIELD PARADOX, MORTAL KOMBAT, DETECTIVE PIKACHU and Paramount's romantic action-adventure THE LOST CITY, starring Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum and Daniel Radcliffe. Most recently, Uziel serves as co-showrunner, writer, and executive producer for the highly anticipated Amazon and MGM+ live-action series SPIDER-NOIR, starring Nicolas Cage. The series follows Ben Reilly, a seasoned, down-on-his-luck private investigator in 1930s New York, who is forced to grapple with his past life, following a deeply personal tragedy, as the city's one and only superhero. In this interview, he shares advice for modern up-and-coming filmmakers, his approach to writing large studio projects, the pitfalls of adapting big intellectual property, his new series SPIDER-NOIR and collaborating with Nicolas Cage. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend, as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

    27 min
  2. Ep713 - Matthew Rhys, Actor ‘The Beast in Me’ & ‘Widow's Bay’

    2d ago

    Ep713 - Matthew Rhys, Actor ‘The Beast in Me’ & ‘Widow's Bay’

    Matthew Rhys stars as Nile Jarvis in the Netflix psychological thriller THE BEAST IN ME, a gripping series centering on a grieving author who finds new purpose unraveling the mystery behind Jarvis' vanished wife and suspicious dealings. Rhys is widely recognized for his Emmy-winning performance opposite Keri Russell in FX’s critically acclaimed drama THE AMERICANS, as well as his Golden Globe-nominated lead role in HBO’s PERRY MASON reboot, and his work in Apple TV+’s horror-comedy WIDOW’S BAY. In this interview, he talks about the psychology, charm, and complexity of playing Niall Jarvis in THE BEAST IN ME, and how the book THE PSYCHOPATH TEST by Jon Ronson helped shape the role. We also dive into the brilliant acting advice he received from directors Antonio Campos and Hiro Murai, the decade-long journey writer Katie Dippold went on to get WIDOW'S BAY made, and so much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend, as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

    25 min
  3. Ep712 - Laurie Metcalf, Actress ‘Big Mistakes,’ ‘Monster’ & ‘Lady Bird’

    3d ago

    Ep712 - Laurie Metcalf, Actress ‘Big Mistakes,’ ‘Monster’ & ‘Lady Bird’

    Laurie Metcalf is an acclaimed, multi-award-winning actress known for her incredible versatility across television, film, and theatre. She rose to fame as Jackie Harris on ROSEANNE and THE CONNERS, earning three Emmy Awards. Her extensive television career also includes HACKS, Dan Levy's BIG MISTAKES, and Ryan Murphy's MONSTER. On the big screen, her performance in Greta Gerwig's LADY BIRD garnered an Academy Award nomination, and her credits span from SCREAM 2 to voicing Andy's mom in the TOY STORY franchise. In this interview, we dive into how she tackles complex, quirky mother figures in shows and movies like LADY BIRD, MONSTER, and BIG MISTAKES. We also talk about the emotional and physical toll of dramatic acting, the big differences between theatre and camera work, what it was like filming BIG MISTAKES, and so much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend, as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

    28 min
  4. Ep711 - Alex Honnold, Free-soloist climber ‘Free Solo’ and ‘Skyscraper Live’

    4d ago

    Ep711 - Alex Honnold, Free-soloist climber ‘Free Solo’ and ‘Skyscraper Live’

    The only human to free solo Yosemite’s 3000-foot rock monolith, El Capitan. No rope, climbing alone. More people will walk on the moon than will do what Alex Honnold has done. His extremely rare skill and unmatched mental focus have helped make him climbing’s transcendent, breakout star, inspiring millions around the world. This past January, Alex conquered a live, Netflix-documented free solo climb of Taipei 101, bringing the intensity of free soloing into an urban environment and unfolding the ascent in real time before a global audience. His feats have blown the doors wide open on the sport of climbing, placing him at the front of mainstream media like 60 Minutes, The New York Times, and the cover of National Geographic. In this interview, we talk about his perspective on courage, how having kids has changed him, and his thoughts on the future, legacy, and philanthropy. We also dive into the logistics behind climbing the TAIPEI 101 building for his project with NETFLIX, get his advice for first-time climbers, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend, as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

    29 min
  5. Ep710 - Hiro Murai, EP and Director ‘Widow's Bay,’ ‘The Bear’ & ‘Atlanta’

    5d ago

    Ep710 - Hiro Murai, EP and Director ‘Widow's Bay,’ ‘The Bear’ & ‘Atlanta’

    Hiro Murai is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker and director behind some of today’s most innovative and culturally renowned projects. Most recently, he produced and directed the Apple horror comedy series WIDOW’S BAY, which stars Matthew Rhys and follows a skeptical mayor who leads the superstitious residents of a cursed New England island. In 2024, Murai served as Executive Producer and Director of the Emmy-nominated series MR. & MRS. SMITH, which launched on Amazon Prime Video and is one of Murai’s many collaborations with Donald Glover. His other projects include ATLANTA, THE BEAR, and the culturally groundbreaking music video for Childish Gambino’s worldwide hit THIS IS AMERICA. In this interview, we talk about what music videos can teach filmmakers, the success of ATLANTA and THIS IS AMERICA, how he got involved with WIDOW'S BAY, the changing landscape for young filmmakers, and the decline of music videos. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend, as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

    25 min
  6. Ep709 - Zach Braff, Actor ‘Scrubs’ & ‘Garden State’

    6d ago

    Ep709 - Zach Braff, Actor ‘Scrubs’ & ‘Garden State’

    Zach Braff’s success began with the beloved television series SCRUBS, earning an Emmy nomination and three consecutive Golden Globe® nominations. While on the show, he transitioned behind the camera, directing several episodes before making his feature film debut as the writer, director, and star of the 2004 comedy-drama GARDEN STATE. The film won an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature and earned him multiple screenplay and directing nominations. In February 2026, he returned to executive produce, direct the pilot, and star in the ABC SCRUBS reboot, which follows J.D. and Turk as they navigate a modern medical system that has “beaten them down” after 15 years, while J.D. faces the reality of being the “oldie” rather than the “newbie.” In this interview, we talk about the art of improvising comedy on set, working and learning from Bill Lawrence, the revival and production of the new SCRUBS season, directing advice and working with legends like Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, and Harrison Ford, alternative writing techniques, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend, as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

    26 min
  7. REPOST - Brad Ingelsby, Writer ‘Task,’ ‘Mare of Easttown’ & ‘The Lost Bus’

    Jun 14

    REPOST - Brad Ingelsby, Writer ‘Task,’ ‘Mare of Easttown’ & ‘The Lost Bus’

    Brad Ingelsby is an EMMY AWARD-NOMINATED writer, producer, and creator. He gained widespread acclaim as the creator, writer, and executive producer of HBO's hit limited series, MARE OF EASTTOWN, which starred Kate Winslet. Ingelsby has since created and written the new HBO limited series, TASK, starring Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey. His recent film work includes the Apple TV+ thriller ECHO VALLEY and THE LOST BUS, an adaptation of Lizzie Johnson's book about the 2018 Camp Fire, starring Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera. In this interview, we talk about his writing process, why he doesn’t outline, and why he considers himself an “awful pitcher.” Plus, his projects THE LOST BUS, TASK, and MARE OF EASTTOWN. As a special note, this was part of our new LIVE interview series in partnership with Buzztown, a community for serious screenwriters, where students also participated in this interview. You can learn more or join the waitlist here: www.scriptmastermind.com/pr Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

    43 min
  8. Ep708 - Ira Parker, Showrunner & Co-creator ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’

    Jun 12

    Ep708 - Ira Parker, Showrunner & Co-creator ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’

    Ira Parker is a writer, executive producer and showrunner who currently serves as executive producer and showrunner of HBO’s A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS, which he co-created with George R. R. Martin. Taking place nearly a century before the events of GAME OF THRONES, the series follows a young, naïve but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his diminutive squire, Egg, as great destinies, powerful foes, and dangerous exploits await these improbable friends. Previously, Parker served as a writer and co-executive producer on the first season of HBO’s HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, the GAME OF THRONES prequel centered on the Targaryen dynasty, where he penned episode four and played a key role in establishing the series’ early narrative. In this interview, he shares some advice for rising the ranks in a writers' room, we talk about his latest project A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS, the modern pressure for fast-paced plotting, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend, as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

    25 min
See All (500)

5
out of 5
54 Ratings

About

Welcome to Creative Principles, I'm your host Brock Swinson. Here I'll be speaking with writers, directors, actors, musicians and more. We'll discuss the habits, routines, and methods of a creative life.

Information

  • Creator
    Creative Principles Podcast
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    500
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Creative Principles

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