Women in Entertainment

As the Tribeca Film Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary, Cara Cusumano is helping shape what the next era of festival storytelling can look like.

In this episode of the Women in Entertainment Podcast, Cara reflects on her nearly two decades with Tribeca, beginning as a film student attending the very first festival after moving to New York in 2001, and growing into a programmer at one of the most influential storytelling festivals in the world. She shares how Tribeca has expanded from a traditional film festival into a home for TV, immersive work, games, podcasts, live events, brand storytelling, and creator-led projects.

Cara also pulls back the curtain on the festival submission process, offering grounded advice for filmmakers navigating the anxiety of rejections, premieres, and programming decisions. With nearly 14,000 submissions this year, she explains why curation matters, how New York’s diverse audience shapes Tribeca’s identity, and why festivals remain vital advocates for independent film, theatrical experiences, and emerging talent.

Listen to learn:
- What makes a project feel distinctly “Tribeca”
- How the festival reviews thousands of submissions each year
- Why filmmakers should trust the festival process
- How live events, music, and creator storytelling are shaping Tribeca’s future
- Why festivals may be more important than ever for independent film

The Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.

With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.

Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...
Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..
Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..

#CaraCusumano #Tribeca #TribecaFestival #WomenInEntertainment #IndependentFilm #FilmFestival #Storytelling #Filmmakers #NewYorkFilm #EntertainmentIndustry

Off Campus is more than a hockey romance; it’s a character-driven story about trust, healing, chemistry, and the kind of love that lets people become more fully themselves.

In this episode of the Women in Entertainment Podcast, Louisa opens up about bringing Elle Kennedy’s beloved Off Campus world to the screen and the responsibility of adapting a fan-favorite series with care. She shares why chemistry reads were essential to building the cast’s electric dynamic, how the writers’ room approached Hannah and Garrett’s emotional arcs, and why the show was designed to feel both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

Louisa also reflects on writing sex positivity, consent, and non-toxic masculinity into a genre that has not always made space for those conversations. From Hannah’s independent drive to Allie’s “too much” energy, she explains how each character’s deepest fears shaped the ensemble and teases that season two will keep Hannah and Garrett woven into the fabric of the show.

Listen to learn:
- How Off Campus balances romance, trauma, joy, and emotional safety
- Why chemistry reads shaped the show’s standout cast
- How the writers approached consent and sex positivity on screen
- What makes hockey romance resonate right now
- What Louisa can reveal about season two

The Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.

With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.

Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...
Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..
Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..

#OffCampus #ElleKennedy #WomenInEntertainment #HockeyRomance #BookToScreen #RomanceTV #FemaleStorytelling #Showrunner #HannahAndGarrett #PrimeVideo

Barbara Muschietti believes the best stories begin with a feeling, and few genres unlock emotion quite like horror.

In this episode of Women in Entertainment, Barbara talks about growing up in Argentina, where Saturday night horror films, classic literature, and a movie-loving family helped shape her creative path. Long before IT became a global phenomenon, Barbara and her brother Andy Muschietti were two kids watching Vincent Price movies, reading Edgar Allan Poe, and imagining worlds together.

Barbara opens up about the cathartic power of horror, the importance of community in moviegoing, and why audiences return again and again to stories that let them scream, laugh, and feel together. She also shares her deeply personal benchmark for choosing projects: she and Andy have to want to watch the movie they are making. From the challenges of adapting Stephen King to expanding the world of Pennywise through Welcome to Derry, Barbara offers a candid look at the passion, endurance, and emotional commitment behind building unforgettable screen stories.

Listen to learn:
- How Barbara’s childhood in Argentina shaped her love of horror and cinema
- Why horror creates such a powerful shared emotional experience
- The one benchmark Barbara uses when choosing projects
- What made television especially challenging while creating Welcome to Derry
- Why Stephen King’s understanding of human nature continues to inspire her

The Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.

With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.

Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...
Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..
Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..

#BarbaraMuschietti #WomenInEntertainment #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #HorrorFilms

This Friday, Dutton Ranch arrives, and Natalie Alyn Lind is ready to ride into one of television’s most-watched universes.

On this episode of Women in Entertainment, Natalie reflects on the surreal experience of joining the Taylor Sheridan world as Oreana, a character she says “popped off the page” from her very first audition. After testing in Fort Worth, she landed the role, packed up within days, and headed straight into six months of filming and full-force cowboy camp. From learning to ride authentically to braving Texas heat, snowstorms, helicopters, and heels in the dirt, Natalie shares how the physical demands of the role helped her fully embody her character.

She also opens up about working opposite Annette Bening, Ed Harris, Kelly Reilly, and Cole Hauser; the creative trust she shares with her sisters Emily and Alyvia; and how her actress mother helped guide their family through the industry. Natalie also discusses expanding into producing through Big Bad Pig Productions, her love of horror, her admiration for bold performers like Sarah Paulson, and her dream of one day competing on Survivor.

Listen to learn:
- What it was like joining the Taylor Sheridan universe
- How cowboy camp transformed Natalie’s connection to Oreana
- Why Dutton Ranch stands on its own while honoring Yellowstone
- What Natalie learned from working with Annette Bening
- How she’s building her future as an actor, producer, and possible director

The Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.

With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.

Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...
Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..
Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..

#WomenInEntertainment #NatalieAlynLind #DuttonRanch #TaylorSheridan #YellowstoneUniverse #WomenInFilm #WomenInTV #Podcast #EntertainmentPodcast

Soleil Moon Frye has lived a life in front of the camera, but her most meaningful work may be the stories she helps bring into the light.

In this deeply personal episode of Women in Entertainment, Soleil sits down with Renee Rossi and Jocelyn Westerhold to reflect on a career that began in childhood and grew into something far larger than performance. She shares how acting helped bring her out of her shell, what Punky Brewster gave her as both a character and a source of strength, and why she still carries that optimistic spirit through every stage of her life and work.

Timed to Mental Health Awareness Month, the conversation turns toward vulnerability, healing, and the power of honest storytelling. Soleil opens up about the emotional journey of making Kid 90, the grief and loss she uncovered through old tapes and memories, and her mission as a documentarian to create safe spaces where people can share their experiences without judgment. She also discusses her work with The Kids Mental Health Foundation, the importance of normalizing conversations around mental health and addiction, and why sharing our scars can help us feel more connected.

Listen to learn:
- How acting helped Soleil find confidence as a shy child
- Why Punky Brewster remains such a meaningful part of her identity
- How Kid 90 became a healing journey through grief and memory
- Why her work with The Kids Mental Health Foundation matters deeply to her
- How documentary storytelling can create connection, safety, and hope

The Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.

With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.

Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...
Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..
Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..

#SoleilMoonFrye #Kid90 #TheKidsMentalHealthFoundation #PunkyBrewster #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MentalHealth #DocumentaryFilm #WomenInEntertainment #Storytelling