Free Daily Podcast Summary
Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Strategist Kevin Goetz: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Kevin Goetz
Don’t Kill the Messenger dives deep into the careers of Hollywood’s most influential voices including executives and filmmakers alike. Hosted by entertainment research expert Kevin Goetz, the interviews are more than story-sharing, they are intimate conversations between friends and a powerful filmmaking masterclass. Discover what it really takes to bring your favorite movies to life. Learn how movies begin, and end—with the audience. Host: Kevin Goetz Producer: Kari Campano Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, Nick Nunez, & Kari Campano Audio Engineer: Gary Forbes Produced at DG Entertainment, Los Angeles CA Marketing Team: Kari Campano, Dax Ross, Daniel Gamino, & Ashton Brackett Guest Booking: Kari Campano & Kathy Manabat
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 days ago1h 0m
Jeff Annison & Paul Scanlan (Co-Founders, Legion M) on Democratizing Hollywood, Fan Ownership, and the Power of the Audience
Send Kevin a Text Message Jeff Annison and Paul Scanlan, Emmy-winning co-founders of the world's first fan-owned entertainment company, Legion M, join host Kevin Goetz for a conversation about disrupting industries, building communities, and betting on the audience. Annison and Scanlan pioneered mobile television at MobiTV and launched the very first equity crowdfunding campaign in U.S. history. The duo have spent two decades proving that the audience is the most powerful force in entertainme...
- 2 weeks ago57 min
Mark Canton (Producer, Veteran Studio Executive) on Showmanship, Smelling the Circus, and Trusting Your Instincts
Send Kevin a Text Message Mark Canton, producer of 300, Immortals, Men in Black, Air Force One, and My Best Friend's Wedding, former President of Worldwide Production at Warner Bros., and former Chairman of Columbia Pictures and Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Companies, joins host Kevin Goetz for a conversation about a career defined by passion and instinct. From delivering mail on the Warner Bros. lot as a college student to greenlighting some of Hollywood's most beloved films, Canton refle...
- May 6, 202644 min
Mark Johnson (Academy Award-Winning Producer of Rain Man) on Diverse Storytelling, Discovering Talent, and a Lifelong Passion for Filmmaking
Send Kevin a Text Message Mark Johnson, Academy Award-winning producer of Rain Man and Emmy Award-winning executive producer of Breaking Bad, joins host Kevin Goetz for a conversation about a career defined by creative restlessness and uncommon decency. The interview ranges from his transformative partnership with Barry Levinson, which produced Diner, The Natural, and Good Morning Vietnam, to shepherding beloved films like The Notebook, A Little Princess, Donnie Brasco, and Galaxy Quest to ch...
- Apr 14, 202651 min
Ann Sarnoff (First Female CEO of Warner Bros.) on Breaking Barriers, Knowing Your Audience, and Why the Best of Hollywood Is Still Ahead
Send Kevin a Text Message Ann Sarnoff, the first woman to serve as Chair and CEO of a major Hollywood studio and named one of Forbes' World's Most Powerful Women, joins host Kevin Goetz for a conversation about her path from a working-class upbringing in Massachusetts to the top of the entertainment industry. From her early days at Nickelodeon pioneering audience research, to guiding Warner Bros. through one of the most turbulent periods in Hollywood history, to her current role on the boards...
- Apr 1, 202655 min
Stuart Ford (Film & Television Producer and Entrepreneur) on Independent Film, Risk Management, and the Future of Hollywood
Send Kevin a Text Message Stuart Ford, Chairman and CEO of AGC Studios and one of the most influential figures in independent cinema, joins host Kevin Goetz for a candid conversation about his journey from Oxford-educated lawyer to Miramax insider to founder of two major independent studios. Ford reflects on the mentors, deals, and instincts that shaped his career, and shares an optimistic vision for the future of independent film in an era of AI, streaming, and global market expansion. From Liverpool to Hollywood : Ford traces his unlikely path from an upbringing in Liverpool through Oxford, where he studied law and caught the entrepreneurial bug managing bands, to becoming an entertainment attorney during the British cinema boom of the early 90s. Miramax: The Real Film School : Drawn to the energy of American independent cinema, Ford leveraged his relationship with Miramax's UK office into a move to New York, where he rose to senior executive, co-heading acquisitions and ultimately leading international sales, working with filmmakers including Quentin Tarantino, Anthony Minghella, and James Mangold. The Birth of IM Global : After leaving Miramax, Ford moved to Los Angeles, borrowed $5 million from a London hedge fund, and launched IM Global in 2007. Paranormal Activity : Ford recounts acquiring the international rights to Paranormal Activity for $250,000 while the film languished at DreamWorks, then orchestrating a midnight screening that helped persuade Paramount to release it. Kevin Goetz reveals that a reshoot suggested by Steven Spielberg raised test scores by 15 to 20 points and sealed the deal. Launching AGC Studios : After selling IM Global to a Chinese private equity group, Ford launched AGC Studios in 2018. AGC has since produced nearly 45 films and television shows, including Hitman, Woman of the Hour, The Tinder Swindler, and Those About to Die. The Art of Risk Management : Ford lays out his core investment philosophy: financial and creative risk are inseparable, and the key is to manage both simultaneously. He offers Ron Howard's Eden as a case study in successful risk management. The Future of Independent Film : Ford shares an optimistic outlook for the independent sector, citing evolving streaming models, cost reductions, and growth in international markets as reasons for optimism. His message for the next generation is simple: responsible filmmaking doesn't mean compromising on creativity. It just means doing it at the right number. Host: Kevin Goetz Guest: Stuart Ford Producer: Kari Campano Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano Audio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment) For more information about Stuart Ford: Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuart_Ford_(entertainment_executive) IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1023349/ For more information about Kevin Goetz: - Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com - Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678 - How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/ - Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360 - LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz - Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com
- Mar 18, 202652 min
Ric Roman Waugh (Director, Writer, Producer) on Growing Up in the Stunt World, Filmmaking with Purpose, and Listening to the Audience
Send Kevin a Text Message Filmmaker Ric Roman Waugh joins host Kevin Goetz for a conversation about his unconventional path from stuntman's son to one of Hollywood's most distinctive action directors. Waugh discusses growing up inside the stunt world, his mentors, and his mission to make commercial action films that also deliver an important message. During the conversation, he touches on his collaborations with Dwayne Johnson, Gerard Butler, and Jason Statham, and on films such as Felon, Snitch, Shot Caller, Angel Has Fallen, Greenland, and Shelter that have defined his brand of character-driven action movies. Working with Tony Scott and Jerry Bruckheimer : Waugh credits Tony Scott and Jerry Bruckheimer as the mentors who shaped his collaborative instinct…leaders who respected everyone on set, demanded the best, and inspired those around them. Growing Up in Stunts Unlimited : Waugh's father, Fred Waugh, was a founding member of Stunts Unlimited, the legendary stunt group led by Hal Needham. Ric grew up on sets and, to his father’s disappointment, was more dazzled by the stuntmen than the movie stars. In the Writers' Room : Before directing, Waugh spent years writing originals for producers like Mark Gordon, Neil Moritz, and Jerry Bruckheimer. He describes how this process taught him how Hollywood actually worked. Finding His Voice and Making Felon : Inspired by Sidney Lumet's socially-conscious entertainments, he researched the California prison system, became a volunteer parole agent, and made Felon on spec. Snitch and Dwayne Johnson : Working with Dwayne Johnson on Snitch was a pivotal experience for Waugh. Both men were at a crossroads in their careers, and this film helped clarify Waugh’s mission: to use the commercial action films as a Trojan horse for social commentary. The Audience Is the Real Collaborator : Waugh reflects on his long working relationship with Kevin Goetz and the role of test screenings in his process. Waugh shares how he uses early and formal audience feedback to identify what isn't being communicated. Marketing in a Distracted World : Waugh and Goetz discuss the challenge of building audiences for original stories amid the declining effectiveness of traditional marketing. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with a fellow film lover. We look forward to bringing you more behind-the-scenes stories next time on Don't Kill the Messenger. Host: Kevin Goetz Guest: Ric Roman Waugh Producer: Kari Campano Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano Audio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment) For more information about Ric Roman Waugh: Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ric_Roman_Waugh IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006846/ Instagram: For more information about Kevin Goetz: - Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com - Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678 - How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/ - Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360 - LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz - Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com
- Mar 4, 202642 min
Robert Wagner (Legendary Actor) on Eight Decades in Hollywood, the Studio System, and a Life in Film & Television
Send Kevin a Text Message Hollywood icon Robert Wagner (known as “RJ”) joins host Kevin Goetz for an intimate, wide-ranging conversation about his life and career. From caddying alongside Clark Gable and Cary Grant to starring opposite Spencer Tracy. From the golden age of the studio system to reinventing himself as a television star, Wagner reflects on the journey that made him one of Hollywood's most enduring figures, later delighting a new generation of audiences as Number 2 in the Austin Powers films. He also reflects on his personal life, including his marriage to actress Natalie Wood, and the family and friendships that shaped him, including his wife of nearly four decades, Jill St. John. Caddying for Legends : Wagner recounts his early days as a caddy, where he found himself watching Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Fred Astaire, and Randolph Scott walk down the fairway. Marilyn Monroe and Screen Tests : As Fox's go-to "screen test guy," Wagner did Marilyn Monroe's first two tests. His own breakthrough came when Zanuck cast him as a shell-shocked soldier in With a Song in My Heart. Spencer Tracy as Mentor : Working alongside Tracy in Broken Lance, Wagner earned the older actor's respect and friendship. Advice from Cary Grant : When Wagner was preparing to play a thief for It Takes a Thief, he went to Grant for guidance. Years later he would become a television icon again opposite Stefanie Powers in Hart to Hart. Lou Wasserman and the Move to Television 18:41): At a time when television was considered beneath film stars, Lew Wasserman called Wagner in and told him, "I think this is your medium." Barbara Stanwyck and Bette Davis : Wagner speaks warmly about his three-year relationship with Barbara Stanwyck. He also recalls reaching out to Bette Davis after she publicly praised his work. John Ford Knocks Him Down…Literally : On the set of a John Ford film, Wagner followed a script direction and glanced toward where music was playing. Ford stopped the scene, questioned him, and knocked him down. Pink Panther : When the studio system collapsed, and Fox dropped its contract players, Wagner moved to Rome and worked on The Pink Panther, his all-time favorite film. Jill St. John, Family, and Friends : In one of the episode's most moving moments, Wagner reflects on the profound role friends and family have played in his life. Few careers in Hollywood history span as many eras, genres, or legends as Robert Wagner's, and fewer still have been lived with such grace. Host: Kevin Goetz Guests: Robert Wagner Producer: Kari Campano Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano Audio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment) For more information about Robert Wagner: Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Wagner IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/n For more information about Kevin Goetz: - Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com - Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678 - How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/ - Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360 - LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz - Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com
- Feb 18, 202650 min
Bob Cooper (Veteran Studio Executive and Producer) on Finding Your "And", Transforming HBO, and Championing Bold True Stories
Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz welcomes Bob Cooper, the influential executive who helped transform HBO from a movie channel into a creative powerhouse, producing landmark films like The Josephine Baker Story and Barbarians at the Gate, and who later shaped the theatrical landscape as President of Tri-Star Pictures and head of development and production at Dreamworks, where he championed American Beauty. From prosecuting organized crime in Montreal to greenlighting American Beauty, Bob's career is a lesson in reinvention and risk-taking. Finding Your "And" : Bob traces his winding path from studying acting at the Pasadena Playhouse to law school to founding Canada's first storefront legal aid office to prosecuting organized crime to hosting a national investigative news program. The Birth of HBO Originals : When his early Canadian film production company collapsed, Bob flew to New York in desperation and pitched HBO on making original movies, starting with The Terry Fox Story. No Vanilla Allowed : Bob developed a strategy of bold, true-story-based films that couldn't be seen in theaters or on network TV. The Josephine Baker Story became the blueprint. The Projects Nobody Wanted : Bob consistently bet on the projects others passed on, championing films like And the Band Played On, Barbarians at the Gate, and The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom. Tristar and Jerry Maguire : Bob shares how he helped crack the marketing code on Jerry Maguire by identifying its core theme as "a comedy about not selling out.” Dreamworks and American Beauty : At Dreamworks, Bob got Steven Spielberg to read a script that was almost impossible to pitch – American Beauty. Spielberg read it overnight, called a meeting the next morning, and immediately declared it "an Academy movie." Meet the Parents and the Spielberg Phone Call : Bob spotted an unmade script at Universal called Meet the Parents and brought it to Spielberg, who simply picked up the phone and called Edgar Bronfman on the spot to acquire it. What Makes Stories Universal : Bob shares his deepest creative philosophy: that pain is the engine of every great story, including comedy. He closes with a moving account of his current stage project about Bobby Kennedy. Bob Cooper's career is a reminder that unconventional paths often lead to the most enduring work. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share. We look forward to bringing you more behind-the-scenes revelations next time on Don't Kill the Messenger. Host: Kevin Goetz Guests: Bob Cooper Producer: Kari Campano Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, Nick Nunez, and Kari Campano Audio Engineer & Editor: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment) For more information about Kevin Goetz: - Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com - Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678 - How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/ - Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360 - LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz - Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com
Get Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Strategist Kevin Goetz summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
The Interview
In-depth interviews with influential figures across culture, politics, business, and sports exploring their motivations and impact.
The Town with Matthew Belloni
A Hollywood insider explores the business and power dynamics behind movies, TV, and streaming with executives, dealmakers, and journalists.
HOLLYWOODLAND
Explores the intersection of Hollywood and true crime through the lives of celebrities affected by murder, scandal, and conspiracy.
You Must Remember This
Explores hidden and forgotten stories from Hollywood’s first century, uncovering the truth behind myths, scandals, and iconic figures.
Hollywood & Levine
A comedic take on entertainment, pop culture, and screenwriting from a veteran writer and broadcaster.
The Big Picture
Film critics review major movies, rank favorites, and analyze awards seasons with guest commentators.
The Kevin Rose Show
Conversations with innovators and thinkers exploring technology, health, finance, and performance.
Dear Movies, I Love You
Film enthusiasts discuss blockbusters and obscure cinema with enthusiasm, exploring movie culture through personal and critical perspectives.
Big Shot
Oral histories from influential Jewish entrepreneurs, sharing behind-the-scenes stories of risk, resilience, and success across generations.
The Writers Hangout
A podcast exploring the writing process through conversations with entertainment industry professionals.
Films To Be Buried With with Brett Goldstein
Comedian and actor Brett Goldstein explores how films shape identity and confront mortality with weekly guests.
Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum
An actor hosts candid conversations with fellow entertainers, revealing their personal struggles and vulnerabilities.
About Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Strategist Kevin Goetz
Don’t Kill the Messenger dives deep into the careers of Hollywood’s most influential voices including executives and filmmakers alike. Hosted by entertainment research expert Kevin Goetz, the interviews are more than story-sharing, they are intimate conversations between friends and a powerful filmmaking masterclass. Discover what it really takes to bring your favorite movies to life. Learn how movies begin, and end—with the audience. Host: Kevin Goetz Producer: Kari Campano Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, Nick Nunez, & Kari Campano Audio Engineer: Gary Forbes Produced at DG Entertainment, Los Angeles CA Marketing Team: Kari Campano, Dax Ross, Daniel Gamino, & Ashton Brackett Guest Booking: Kari Campano & Kathy Manabat
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Strategist Kevin Goetz in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Strategist Kevin Goetz daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Strategist Kevin Goetz as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Strategist Kevin Goetz podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Strategist Kevin Goetz product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Kevin Goetz.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Strategist Kevin Goetz release new episodes?
Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Strategist Kevin Goetz publishes biweekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Strategist Kevin Goetz cover?
Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Strategist Kevin Goetz covers topics including History, Film, TV & Film, Comedy Interviews. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Strategist Kevin Goetz summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.