The DMF With Justin Younts

Justin Younts
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Welcome to the DMF. Where I try to find out what motivates people behind the scenes in the world of acting and entertainment. I'm an actor who talks to people in filmmaking and theater as well as people on the business side of show business. Thank you for listening. My Facebook is Justin Younts, my Twitter is @JustinYounts and my Instagram is @JustinYounts.

  1. 3D AGO

    DMF Episode 299 — Writer and Producer Alan Katz (Part 12): "Are You Ignoring Your Mental Health? My Near-Death Experience Will Shock You!"

    Welcome to the DMF! I’m Justin Younts, and today we’re exploring how Alan Katz starts his day — and how his routines have transformed his life. Alan begins each morning with intention, sketching out his schedule on paper — everything from podcast interviews to sound editing and writing his deeply personal book, How to Live B*****t Free.* The book was born from his struggles with mental health and the realization that he once came dangerously close to taking his own life. Through that journey, Alan discovered a powerful truth: the only person he can truly change is himself. By confronting his own “b******t,” as he calls it, Alan found a peace he never thought possible. He describes walking through life in a perpetual state of bliss, grounded by structure, mindfulness, and creative purpose. His nighttime ritual — cleaning his genius pipe — is part of his cannabis routine, which he views as both reflective and restorative. Tennis has also become a meditative outlet for him, a way to stay fully present without the burden of competition. In recent years, Alan has turned his curiosity toward meditation, particularly Transcendental Meditation, as he continues to explore consciousness and inner calm. (Alan does use a curse word because its the title of his book so that word is uncensored for that word.) 00:00:01 - Introduction 00:00:12 - Daily Routine 00:00:51 - Current Projects 00:01:22 - Personal Journey 00:02:33 - Life Philosophy 00:02:52 - Purpose and Podcasting 00:04:18 - Nighttime Routine 00:05:51 - Meditation and Tennis 00:08:19 - Transcendental Meditation 00:08:54 - Consciousness and Information 00:12:01 - Physical Fitness and Reading 00:12:35 - Current Reading for Work 00:15:51 - Opinions on Character Development 00:16:10 - Music Preferences 00:16:29 - Influences on Children's Music Taste 00:17:35 - Current TV Shows 00:17:52 - Contact Information 00:18:26 - Closing Remarks Check out his other podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-how-not-to-make-a-movie-podcast/id1616014436 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0441623/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-how-not-to-make-a-movie-podcast/id1616014436⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thedonorpodcast.com/

    18 min

  2. 6D AGO

    DMF Episode 298 — Writer and Producer Alan Katz (Part 11): "Discover the Luxurious Life I Lived While Shooting in England"

    Welcome to the DMF! I’m Justin Younts, and in this episode, we explore Alan Katz’s unforgettable experiences filming in England. Alan described the entire journey as a dream come true—from shooting in breathtaking castles to immersing himself in the country’s vibrant culture. But it wasn’t all glamour and ease. Behind the stunning backdrops were challenges that tested his patience and professionalism. Working under tight schedules and managing the high costs of filming in London gave him a new appreciation for the privilege and pressure of international production. Alan recalled memorable moments—like grocery shopping at Harrods with cash or staying at a luxurious hotel in Paris after a shoot—that captured the surreal side of the filmmaking lifestyle. Yet, he admitted that leaving that world behind was heartbreaking. He also reflected on the joy of collaborating with exceptional British talent, including Ewan McGregor and Steve Coogan, whose work ethic and artistry elevated every scene. Through his stories, Alan revealed that beyond the allure of filmmaking lies a deep commitment to storytelling, discipline, and heart. Join me as we uncover the highs and lows of Alan Katz’s remarkable journey—and what it truly means to be a storyteller on the world stage. 00:00:05 - Shooting in England 00:00:51 - Dorney Court Experience 00:02:22 - Catering Mishap 00:03:28 - Dover Castle Shooting 00:04:29 - Living in England 00:05:22 - End of the Shoot and Paris Trip 00:06:23 - Reflections on the Show 00:07:04 - Challenges in London 00:08:17 - Working with British Actors 00:10:28 - Missed Opportunities 00:13:30 - Future Projects Check out his other podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-how-not-to-make-a-movie-podcast/id1616014436 ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0441623/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-how-not-to-make-a-movie-podcast/id1616014436⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thedonorpodcast.com/

    15 min

  3. OCT 5

    DMF Episode 297 — Writer and Producer Alan Katz (Part 10): "You Won't Believe How Superman's Legacy Haunts Actors!"

    Welcome to the DMF! I’m Justin Younts, and today we’re exploring the fascinating world of casting through the perspective of Alan Katz. Alan delved into the complexities of casting Superman, particularly focusing on Christopher Reeve. He explained that casting Superman is unlike any other role—it’s not just about acting, but about embodying a character that becomes a part of who you are. Alan reflected on how Christopher Reeve faced immense challenges throughout his career, often feeling confined by the role that made him a household name. Though Reeve was masterful in portraying Superman, the weight of that identity brought its own struggles. As Alan discussed, the industry’s perception of actors can both define and restrict them, shaping the kinds of opportunities they receive. He also shed light on the intricate relationships between actors and directors, and how those dynamics can profoundly influence performance. Through Alan’s insights, we gain a deeper understanding of the art and burden of becoming an icon—and what it truly means to live in the shadow of a cape. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:05 - Discussing Christopher Reeve's Acting Style 00:01:33 - Superman vs Batman: Casting and Acting 00:02:50 - The Challenge of Breaking Free from Superman 00:04:45 - Discussion on Film Noir and Dylan McDermott 00:05:31 - Moving the Series to England 00:09:04 - Challenges of Building Sets in England 00:10:28 - Craft Services Differences between US and UK 00:13:03 - Conclusion Check out his other podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-how-not-to-make-a-movie-podcast/id1616014436 ⁠⁠⁠https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0441623/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-how-not-to-make-a-movie-podcast/id1616014436⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://thedonorpodcast.com/

    13 min

  4. OCT 2

    DMF Episode 296 — Writer and Producer Alan Katz (Part 9): "You Won't Believe What Scared Tim Curry During Filming!"

    Welcome to the DMF! I’m Justin Younts, and today we’re exploring the fascinating world of filmmaking through the experiences of Alan Katz. Alan recalled the immense challenges of working with Tim Curry on a project that pushed everyone involved to their limits. The creative process was daunting, especially when Tim was tasked with playing three different roles in a single story. It terrified him—and, as Alan admitted, it scared the entire team as well. But that fear transformed into a powerful opportunity for collaboration and creativity. Alan remembered how carefully the team worked to ensure that the music, acting, and overall tone of the scenes reflected the gravity of the story rather than slipping into unintended comedy. One surreal highlight was guiding the legendary Michael Kamen on how to score a pivotal moment—an experience Alan described as both intimidating and unforgettable. For him, the key takeaway from the process was simple: always stay open to feedback and collaboration, because the best ideas often come from unexpected places. Alan’s behind-the-scenes stories remind us that filmmaking is as much about resilience and adaptability as it is about creativity and vision. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:05 - The Death of Some Salesmen: Concept and Casting 00:00:26 - The Challenge of Playing Multiple Parts 00:00:55 - Casting Tim Curry 00:02:27 - Scoring the Sex Scene 00:04:05 - The Importance of Being Open to Criticism 00:05:43 - Working with Tim Curry 00:07:20 - Casting Against Type 00:07:33 - Dead Weight: The First Episode 00:08:22 - The Importance of the Script as a Technical Document 00:10:45 - What's Cooking: Writing and Casting 00:11:38 - Challenges with Special Effects 00:14:04 - Conclusion Check out his other podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-how-not-to-make-a-movie-podcast/id1616014436 ⁠⁠https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0441623/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-how-not-to-make-a-movie-podcast/id1616014436⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://thedonorpodcast.com/

    14 min

  5. SEP 28

    DMF Episode 295 — Writer and Producer Alan Katz (Part 8): "You Might Be Missing Out on the Terrifying Truth of You Murderer"

    Welcome to the DMF! I’m Justin Younts, and today I’m diving into the fascinating world of You Murderer through the eyes of Alan Katz. This episode was a unique challenge, as it was shot entirely from the perspective of a dead man—a bold concept that director Bob had envisioned from the start. Alan described the experience as unlike anything else, requiring incredible creativity and collaboration from the entire team. Bob’s approach to filmmaking was all about teamwork and innovation, and Alan had the privilege of being part of that process. Together, they built a full four-wall set and involved the entire crew in rehearsal—something rarely done in the industry. The environment Bob created encouraged everyone to contribute ideas, and Alan noted how it made creativity truly thrive on set. Alan also had the chance to work with remarkable talents like Isabella Rossellini and John Lithgow, experiences he described as surreal and unforgettable. For him, You Murderer was more than just an episode—it was a masterclass in collaboration and storytelling. If you’re curious about the behind-the-scenes magic of filmmaking and want to hear how Alan and the team tackled such a groundbreaking concept, stick around as we explore his stories and insights from this incredible journey. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:05 - Discussing 'You Murderer' 00:01:50 - Bob's Filmmaking Style 00:04:29 - Working with Bob 00:06:22 - Talking about 'Yellow' 00:06:37 - Working with Famous Actors 00:09:54 - Working with Buck Henry 00:11:17 - Discussing 'Whirlpool' 00:14:33 - Conclusion Check out his other podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-how-not-to-make-a-movie-podcast/id1616014436 ⁠https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0441623/⁠ ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-how-not-to-make-a-movie-podcast/id1616014436⁠ ⁠https://thedonorpodcast.com/

    15 min

  6. SEP 21

    DMF Episode 294 — Writer and Producer Alan Katz (Part 7): "Are You Ready to Face the Dark Truths of Donor Conception?"

    Welcome to the DMF! I’m Justin Younts, and today I want to share an incredible story about Alan Katz. While researching the world of donor conception, Alan connected with Donna Hall, a woman who discovered at 40 that she was donor conceived. This revelation was earth-shattering for her, and her journey is nothing short of remarkable. Donna grew up in a lower-tier crime family outside of Philadelphia, where life was filled with chaos and crime. Her mother, Phyllis, spent time in prison for child endangerment, and her stepdad, John Hall, was a notorious snitch who put many innocent people behind bars. For Alan, Donna’s story wasn’t just about her past—it was about resilience, survival, and transformation. She became a vivacious storyteller who turned her life experiences into a powerful narrative. Alan felt compelled to help share her journey through The Hall Closet, a podcast that explores not just the complexities of her life, but the broader truths about family, identity, and the ripple effects of donor conception. Podcasting has become a revolutionary platform for creators like Alan, allowing stories like Donna’s to be told outside the limits of traditional media. With each episode, he works to flip the power dynamic back to the storytellers, putting their voices and their intellectual property front and center. So join me as we explore Alan’s work, Donna’s incredible journey, and the future of storytelling through podcasts. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:05 - Donna's Story and The Hall Closet Podcast 00:02:43 - Costard and Touchstone Productions 00:04:35 - Power of Podcasting 00:06:00 - The Future of Podcasting 00:08:06 - The Yellow Episode 00:10:13 - Working with Bob Zemeckis 00:10:55 - Conclusion Check out his other podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-how-not-to-make-a-movie-podcast/id1616014436 https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0441623/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-how-not-to-make-a-movie-podcast/id1616014436 https://thedonorpodcast.com/

    11 min

  7. SEP 14

    DMF Episode 293 — Writer and Producer Alan Katz (Part 6): "You Won't Believe the Dark Secret I Kept for 45 Years"

    When Alan Katz turned 45, he realized he had been keeping a secret from himself for far too long. It was a dark truth that had haunted him since he was 14, when he was sexually molested by someone he trusted. For decades, Alan carried the weight of self-loathing and blame, convinced it had been his fault. But the moment he confronted the secret, everything changed. He came to understand that it’s not uncommon for survivors to blame themselves for things outside of their control—but that mindset is destructive. As he navigated adulthood, Alan recognized how this pattern of self-blame had only made his struggles worse. Facing the truth was a revelation that set him free. He wept for the 14-year-old boy who needed to hear, back then, that it was never his fault. That moment of clarity led Alan to create a podcast where he could share his story—and give others the chance to share theirs with absolute honesty. He wanted to break the silence and the stigma surrounding these experiences. The podcast became more than just a platform for healing; it became a space for Alan to explore storytelling itself. Along the way, he discovered that the only thing standing in his way had been himself. For the first time, he could tell his story on his own terms, without anyone else dictating the narrative. This journey has been transformative for him, and his hope is that it inspires others to confront their own truths. Because no one is ever truly alone—and it’s never too late to find your voice and share your story. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:05 - Confronting a Dark Past 00:00:27 - Understanding Self-Blame 00:00:57 - The Impact of Self-Blame 00:02:35 - The Power of Honesty 00:03:02 - Entering the Podcasting World 00:03:53 - The Making of Bordello of Blood 00:04:22 - The Importance of Honesty in Storytelling 00:06:44 - The Creative Process in Podcasting 00:07:25 - The Challenges of Turning Ideas into Movies or TV Series 00:09:00 - The Freedom in Podcasting 00:09:49 - The Donor: A DNA Horror Story 00:10:41 - The Impact of Genetic Sexual Attraction 00:13:31 - The Power of Inheritance 00:14:04 - Conclusion Check out his other podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-how-not-to-make-a-movie-podcast/id1616014436

    14 min

  8. SEP 7

    DMF Episode 292 — Writer and Producer Alan Katz (Part 5): "You Won't Believe the Dark Secrets of Hollywood That Almost Destroyed Alan"

    Welcome to the DMF. I'm Justin Younts, and today we’re diving deep into the dark side of Hollywood through the story of Alan Katz. There was an ulterior motive behind hiring Angie, a supermodel with no acting experience, and it led to a series of unfortunate events that almost derailed Alan’s career. Having worked with many actors, Alan believes the best performances come from being raw and real, not just acting. But Angie was miscast, and the emotional turmoil she faced only made things worse. As production unraveled, Alan found himself in a world filled with betrayal, heartbreak, and a lot of drama—especially with Sylvester Stallone’s antics behind the scenes. These stories reveal the wild and often harsh realities of the film industry. Beyond the set, Alan also struggled with depression, reaching a point where he almost lost everything. But through the chaos, he discovered a way to stabilize his mood and reignite his creative spark. Alan’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and the fight against darkness—a powerful reminder of the realities of filmmaking and the importance of mental health. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:10 - Acting vs Being 00:03:13 - The Story of Angie and Stallone 00:04:06 - Stallone's Infidelity 00:04:45 - Stallone's Infamous Story 00:05:58 - Daily Challenges on Set 00:06:44 - Joel Silver's Visit 00:09:28 - Post-Production and Release 00:10:11 - Aftermath and Career Struggles 00:12:30 - Personal Struggles and Recovery 00:14:35 - Conclusion Check out his other podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-how-not-to-make-a-movie-podcast/id1616014436

    15 min
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About

Welcome to the DMF. Where I try to find out what motivates people behind the scenes in the world of acting and entertainment. I'm an actor who talks to people in filmmaking and theater as well as people on the business side of show business. Thank you for listening. My Facebook is Justin Younts, my Twitter is @JustinYounts and my Instagram is @JustinYounts.

Information

  • Creator
    Justin Younts
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    302
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Justin Younts
  • Show Website
    The DMF With Justin Younts